ICU/BKAT exam Questions and Correct
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Graded
Intra-chamber pressures
Ans: RA: 2-8 mmHg
RV: 15-25 mmHg systolic; 2-8 mmHg diastolic
PA: 15-25 mmHg systolic; 8-14 mmHg diastolic
LA: 6-12 mmHg
LV: 110-130 mmHg systolic; 6-12 mmHg systolic
Aorta: 110-130 mmHg systolic; 70-80 mmHg diastolic
Cardiac Output (CO)
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Ans: CO= HR x SV
CO= 4-8 L/min
HR=60-100
SV= 60-100 mL
Cardiac output is the amount of blood ejected in L/min; measures tissue
perfusion/assessment of blood flow. Affected by body size, O2 demand,
metabolic rate.
Preload (filling/volume)
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Ans: Right: CVP: 0-8 mmHg
Left: PAD: 8-14 mmHg; PAWP 6-12 mmHg
Preload is the amount of end diastolic stretch on the myocardial muscle
fibers. The relationship of volume in the chambers and the compliance of
the chambers; think of a balloon!
*Starling's Law: The greater the stretch during diastole, the greater the
force of contraction in systole and the greater the cardiac output (CO)*
Low preload: fluids
High preload: Diuretics, nitrates, morphine
Afterload (resistance)
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Ans: Right: PVR (pulm vasc resistance) 150-250
Left: SVR (systemic vasc resistance) 800-1200; MAP: 60-90
Afterload is the resistance the ventricles must overcome in order to eject
blood forward. BP, SVR (left), PVR (right).
Low afterload: Vasopressors; levo, dopamine, neo, epi, vasopressin
[+alpha for vasoconstriction]
High afterload: Venodilators; nipride, captopril, flolan
[-alpha for vasodilation]
Contractility (squeeze)