Core Hemodynamics
This equation calculates cardiac output by multiplying heart rate by stroke volume.
What is CO = HR × SV?
This invasive monitor provides continuous blood pressure and waveform analysis and is usually placed at the radial or femoral pulse point
What is an arterial line?
The dicrotic notch on an arterial waveform represents this event.
What is closure of the aortic valve?
This type of shock commonly presents with low CVP and low PAWP.
What is hypovolemic shock?
This vasopressor is typically first-line for septic shock.
What is norepinephrine?
This pressure represents the average arterial pressure required to perfuse organs.
What is MAP?
The correct reference point used when leveling pressure transducers.
What is the phlebostatic axis?
This pressure reflects right ventricular preload and right atrial pressure.
What is CVP/RAP?
This shock often shows high CVP, high PAWP, and low CO.
What is cardiogenic shock?
This medication is a pure alpha-1 agonist that causes vasoconstriction and reflex bradycardia.
What is phenylephrine?
This variable is cardiac output adjusted for body surface area.
What is cardiac index (CI)?
If the transducer is positioned above the phlebostatic axis, readings will appear this way.
What is falsely low pressure?
This measurement best reflects left ventricular preload.
What is PAWP (pulmonary artery wedge pressure)?
Early septic shock typically causes this change in SVR.
What is low SVR?
This inotrope increases cardiac contractility via beta-1 stimulation.
What is dobutamine?
These three factors determine stroke volume.
What are preload, afterload, and contractility?
This catheter can measure PAP, PAWP, CO, and SvO₂.
What is a pulmonary artery catheter (Swan-Ganz)?
Normal pulmonary artery pressure systolic range.
What is 20–30 mmHg?
This shock type results from mechanical obstruction like tamponade or PE.
What is obstructive shock?
This vasodilator decreases preload through venous dilation and is commonly used for angina.
What is nitroglycerin?
This equation describes how MAP relates to cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance.
What is MAP = CO × SVR?
This test evaluates the dynamic response of an arterial line system using a fast flush.
What is the square wave test?
A blunted arterial waveform with low systolic pressure suggests this system problem.
What is an overdampened waveform?
In shock, this physiologic failure leads to inadequate tissue oxygen delivery.
What is failure of oxygen delivery?
This drug increases contractility and causes both alpha and beta adrenergic effects.
What is epinephrine?