Hemodynamic Monitoring

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to hemodynamic monitoring, essential for understanding cardiac function and nursing interventions.

Hemodynamics

The intravascular pressure and flow that occurs when the heart muscles contract and pump blood through the body.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as Stroke Volume (SV) x Heart Rate (HR).

Preload

The initial stretching of the myocardium, influenced by blood volume, ventricular function, vascular tone, cardiac rhythm, and intrathoracic pressure.

Afterload

The ventricular work to eject blood, estimated with parameters like Pulmonary Artery Pressure and Systemic Vascular Resistance.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The average pressure in the arteries during one cardiac cycle, with a goal of MAP > 65 mmHg.

Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

A measurement of pressure in the right atrium, reflecting right heart preload with a normal range of 2-6 mmHg.

Pulmonary Artery Occlusive Pressure (PAOP)

Pressure measured in the pulmonary artery when a catheter balloon is inflated, reflecting left heart preload with a normal range of 8-12 mmHg.

Arterial Line (A-Line)

A catheter placed in a major artery to continuously monitor blood pressure and allow for repeated arterial blood sampling.

Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring

Involves placing a catheter in a vessel or heart chamber for direct measurement of pressures and blood flow to assess cardiovascular function.

Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC)

A balloon-tipped catheter used for direct measurements of heart pressures and the ability to calculate cardiac indexes.