Understanding Hemodynamics in Nursing Management

Cardiac output (CO)

The amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle per minute, typically 4 to 8 L/minute.

Cardiac Index (CI)

Cardiac output related to body size, typically 2.5 to 4 L/minute/m2.

Stroke volume (SV)

The amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction, typically 60 to 100 mL/beat.

Preload

Amount of 'stretch' placed on the ventricle walls by the volume of blood filling the ventricle at the end of diastole.

Afterload

The force/pressure the ventricle must generate to overcome the higher pressure of the aorta to get blood out of the heart.

Contractility

The ability of the heart to contract.

CVP line

A simple hemodynamic monitoring device used to measure central venous pressure.

Pulmonary Artery Catheter

A complex hemodynamic monitoring device used to measure invasive pressures inside the arteries and heart.

Swanz-Ganz Catheter

A complex hemodynamic monitoring device used to assess left heart function and pulmonary pressures.

Leveling & Zeroing

Ensure accuracy by leveling the phlebostatic axis with the transducer and zeroing to atmospheric pressure.

Client Position for Pressure Monitoring

Supine with head of bed (HOB) at 0-60 degrees.

Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

Measured in the superior vena cava near the right atrium; reflects intravascular blood volume.

CVP Range

Normal CVP range is 2-8 mmHg; lower value indicates lower volume and higher value indicates higher volume.

Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

Reflects intravascular blood volume

CVP range

CVP range 2-8 mmHg