Sample interview questions: Explain your understanding of hemodynamic monitoring in the ICU.
Sample answer:
- Central Venous Pressure (CVP):
- CVP is the pressure in the superior vena cava, reflecting the volume status and right-sided heart function.
- Normal range: 2-8 mmHg
- Low CVP: Hypovolemia, dehydration, or vasodilation
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High CVP: Fluid overload, right-sided heart failure, or pericardial effusion
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Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP):
- PAP is the pressure in the pulmonary artery, reflecting the pressure required to pump blood through the pulmonary circulation.
- Normal range:
- Systolic: 15-30 mmHg
- Diastolic: 4-12 mmHg
- Mean: 10-20 mmHg
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High PAP: Pulmonary hypertension, left-sided heart failure, or pulmonary embolism
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Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP):
- PCWP is the pressure in the pulmonary capillaries, reflecting the left atrial pressure and indirectly the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.
- Normal range: 8-12 mmHg
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High PCWP: Left-sided heart failure, mitral stenosis, or volume overload
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Cardiac Output (CO):
- CO is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.
- Normal range: 4-8 L/min
- Low CO: Cardiogenic shock, hypovolemia, or sepsis
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High CO: Hyperthyroidism, anemia, or arteriovenous fistula
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Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR):
- SVR is the resistance to blood flow in the systemic circulation.
- Normal range: 800-1200 dynes/sec/cm^5
- High SVR: Vasoconstriction, hypertension, or renal failure
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Low SVR: Vasodilation, sepsis, or anaphylaxis
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Mixed Venous Oxygen Saturation (SvO2):
- SvO2 is the oxygen saturation of the blood in the superior vena cava, reflecting the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption.
- Normal range: 60-70%
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Low SvO2: Inadequate oxygen delivery, increased oxygen consumption, or both
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Arterial Blood Gas (ABG):
- ABG analysis provides information abou… Read full answer
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