FFICM Critical Care Monitoring and Hemodynamics Flashcards

Which parameter is measured by a pulmonary artery catheter to assess left heart preload?

Answer: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure

Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) reflects left atrial pressure and is used as a surrogate for left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

What is the normal range for cardiac index in a healthy adult at rest?

Answer: 2.2–4.0 L/min/m²

Cardiac index (CI) is cardiac output normalized to body surface area, with a normal range of 2.2–4.0 L/min/m² in adults.

In the ICU, which arterial waveform finding suggests hypovolemia during positive pressure ventilation?

Answer: Pulse pressure variation >13%

Pulse pressure variation (PPV) >13% during mechanical ventilation is a reliable dynamic indicator of fluid responsiveness indicating hypovolemia.

Which mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) value indicates adequate global oxygen delivery in a critically ill patient?

Answer: ≥65%

An SvO2 ≥65% generally indicates adequate global oxygen delivery relative to consumption; values below this suggest oxygen debt.

What does the Stewart-Hamilton equation calculate when using thermodilution?

Answer: Cardiac output

The Stewart-Hamilton equation calculates cardiac output by analyzing the temperature change over time following cold saline injection into the pulmonary artery catheter.

In critically ill patients, which hemodynamic profile is characteristic of septic shock?

Answer: High CO, low SVR, low MAP

Septic shock classically presents with a hyperdynamic state: high cardiac output and low systemic vascular resistance leading to low mean arterial pressure.