Mod 11 Hemodynamics Flashcards
What factors can affect/determine hemodynamic stability?
- Cardiac contractility
- Blood Volume
- Vascular smooth muscle tone
What is hemodynamics and why it important to monitor?
The study of the forces (pressures) within the vascular system that influence the circulation of blood
- can help guide drug interventions
- Valuable for assessment of cardiovascular function and adequacy of intravascular fluid volume
What are 3 laws about liquids and pressures in a container?
- Liquids are essentially not compressible
- Pressure varies with vertical position (container)
- The pressure is the same @ all points @ the same level within that liquid (pascal law)
How does Pascals Principle apply to Hemodynamic monitoring?
Changes in pressure are transmitted from catheter to the transducer via the fluid filled IV line
- Recall: Changes in pressure in a enclosed space is transmitted undiminished to every portion of the vessel
What are 2 considerations that should be done/kept in mind when managing Pressure Transducing Systems?
- Level
- Zeroing
What is leveling mean in the context of pressure transducing systems?
The process of placing the transducer at the same level as the phlebostatic axis
- AKA the mid-axillary line and 4th rib which approximates the right atrium
What does a Transducer do in a Pressure Transducing System?
Transducers changes the mechanical signal to an electronic signal
(Pressure -> # on monitor)
- It is a strain gage basically
What happens to the transducer as pressure is applied to the diaphragm?
- The strain gauge wire is lengthened, changing resistance
- This changes the electrical current flowing through the wire
- This electrical current is interpreted by a computer as a proportional change in pressure
- The computer will display a numeric pressure value or waveform
What is the pressure bag inflated to on a Pressure Induced System?
300mmHg
What is the placement of a Transducer on a Pressure Transducing System?
***Insert image from slide 10
Upside down w/cable feeding to bottom by convention (doesn’t affect function)
What does “zeroing” entail for a Pressure Transducing System?
- Steps?
- when is it done?
- Turn the stopcock (closest to transducer) off to the patient and open to atm pressure
- Wait for equilibration and zero the monitor (few secs)
- Is done at set up and at the start of each shift (or troubleshooting)
When are Pressure Transducing Systems “zeroed”?
- Setup
- Start of shift
- Troubleshooting
What is the most frequently measured hemodynamic parameter?
Arterial pressure
Methods of arterial pressure assessment?
- Direct (invasive) via indwelling arterial catheter
- Blood pressure cuff (non-invasive)
- Doppler method aka ultrasound (non-invasive)
Indications for continuous arterial monitoring? (4)
- Hypotension/Hypertension
- Frequent need for ABG/blood work
- Pt requiring inotropic support
- Pt receiving vasoactive drugs
What are 3 complications of indwelling catheters that need monitoring?
- What are the general associated causes/risks?
- Infection (sterility)
- Hemorrhage (bleed or hematoma = decreased clotting)
- Ischemia (embolus/thrombus could occur)
What does a arterial pressure waveform indicate when the diacrotic notch is not visible?
Pressure tracing is dampened and may be inaccurate (numbers are lower than the pts actual)
What pressures would reflect a dampened pressure tracing?
Diacrotic notch not visible w/a systolic P < 50-60 mmHg
Why could arterial pressure waveforms form a higher point than the actual pressure in the volume displacement phase?
An increase of circulating catecholamines can make the inotropic phase steeper
Where does CVP need to be “zeroed”?
Level of right arium aka phlebostatic axis