ICU/BKAT exam Questions and Correct Answers/ Latest Update / Already Graded

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ICU/BKAT exam Questions and Correct
Answers/ Latest Update / Already
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)