Hemodynamic Monitoring Exam Study Questions with Complete Solutions

Hemodynamics - The study of the dynamics of blood circulation in order to determine the adequacy of cardiac output. It is monitored closely for changes in fluid status and cardiac health. Preload - The volume of blood in the right atrium or left ventricle at the end of diastole or beginning of systole. It is quantified with central venous pressure (CVP) & pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) which reflect the patients volume status. The end-diastolic volume (EDV) is related to the amount of stretch of the sarcomeres. Preload reflects all things affecting tension of the chamber wall at the end of filling (diastole). Afterload - Amount of work the heart must do to eject blood, impedance or resistance to contraction. It reflects all things affecting tension of chamber wall during contraction (systole). Contractility - Ability of myocardial muscle to shorten or amount of strength produced when it ejects blood. Influenced by neural factors & metabolic states (hypoxia, hypercarbia, and acidosis)