Haemodynamics Course for Nurses

Lesson 1 • Heart Chambers and Valves

Covers structural anatomy of all four chambers and valves and their functional roles. Provides the anatomical baseline for understanding pressure and flow dynamics.

Lesson 2 • Cardiac Conduction System

Explains the electrical pathway from SA node to Purkinje fibres that coordinates myocardial contraction. Connects conduction anatomy to rhythm and output regulation.

Lesson 3 • Microcirculation and Capillary Beds

Describes arterioles, capillaries, and venules as sites of gas and nutrient exchange. Establishes how microvascular resistance influences systemic hemodynamics.

Lesson 1 • Frank-Starling Mechanism

Describes the length-tension relationship of myocardial fibres and its effect on stroke volume. Explains how venous return directly modulates cardiac performance.

Lesson 2 • Cardiac Output and Its Determinants

Explains how heart rate and stroke volume combine to produce cardiac output. Identifies preload, afterload, and contractility as the primary stroke volume determinants.

Lesson 3 • Oxygen Delivery and Consumption

Quantifies oxygen delivery as the product of cardiac output and arterial oxygen content. Links haemodynamic variables to tissue oxygenation and metabolic demand.

Lesson 4 • Pressure, Flow, and Resistance Relationships

Defines mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and vascular resistance and their mathematical relationships. Forms the quantitative framework for all clinical haemodynamic assessment.

Lesson 1 • Central Venous Pressure Monitoring

Explains CVP line placement sites, transducer setup, and normal waveform morphology. Connects CVP values to right-sided filling pressure interpretation.

Lesson 2 • Invasive Arterial Line Setup

Covers components of an arterial pressure monitoring system including transducer, flush device, and tubing. Prepares students to assemble and zero the system accurately.

Lesson 3 • Pulmonary Artery Catheter Overview

Describes the Swan-Ganz catheter lumens, balloon inflation, and pressure zones encountered during insertion. Establishes the basis for pulmonary artery pressure and wedge measurement.

Lesson 4 • Non-Invasive Haemodynamic Monitors

Reviews pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure, and advanced non-invasive cardiac output devices. Clarifies accuracy limitations and appropriate clinical use cases.

Lesson 1 • Troubleshooting Waveform Artifacts

Identifies overdamping, underdamping, and catheter whip as sources of inaccurate readings. Provides systematic steps to restore waveform fidelity.

Lesson 2 • Respiratory Variation in Waveforms

Explains how spontaneous and mechanical ventilation alter pressure waveforms and readings. Teaches end-expiratory measurement technique to minimise respiratory artifact.

Lesson 3 • Pulmonary Artery Waveform Zones

Distinguishes right atrial, right ventricular, pulmonary artery, and wedge waveform patterns during catheter advancement. Ensures safe catheter positioning recognition.

Lesson 4 • Arterial Pressure Waveform Analysis

Identifies systolic upstroke, dicrotic notch, and diastolic runoff on the arterial waveform. Links waveform morphology to stroke volume and vascular resistance changes.

Lesson 1 • Derived Haemodynamic Parameters

Calculates cardiac index, stroke volume index, and vascular resistance indices from measured values. Normalises parameters to body surface area for accurate patient comparison.

Lesson 2 • Cardiac Output Measurement Methods

Explains thermodilution, Fick, and pulse contour methods for cardiac output determination. Identifies sources of error and conditions that limit each method's accuracy.

Lesson 3 • Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques

Compares invasive arterial and non-invasive cuff methods for accuracy and clinical indication. Reinforces proper limb positioning, cuff sizing, and transducer levelling.

Lesson 4 • Documentation and Trending

Establishes standards for recording haemodynamic values, time-stamping, and constructing trend graphs. Accurate trending enables early detection of clinical deterioration.

Lesson 1 • Cardiogenic Haemodynamic Profile

Identifies elevated filling pressures, high resistance, and low output as hallmarks of pump failure. Differentiates left-sided from right-sided cardiogenic patterns.

Lesson 2 • Distributive and Obstructive Profiles

Contrasts the high-output, low-resistance pattern of distributive shock with obstructive shock's elevated pressures. Covers septic, anaphylactic, and obstructive aetiologies.

Lesson 3 • Mixed and Evolving Haemodynamic States

Addresses patients with overlapping or transitioning haemodynamic profiles requiring serial reassessment. Builds adaptive clinical reasoning for complex presentations.

Lesson 4 • Hypovolaemic Haemodynamic Profile

Describes the pattern of low filling pressures, elevated resistance, and reduced output seen in volume depletion. Distinguishes absolute from relative hypovolaemia.

Lesson 1 • Mechanical Ventilation Interactions

Explains how positive pressure ventilation reduces preload and alters cardiac output. Prepares nurses to anticipate and respond to ventilator-induced haemodynamic changes.

Lesson 2 • Collaborative Care and Escalation

Defines the nursing technician's scope within the haemodynamic care team and escalation triggers. Reinforces structured communication using standardised handoff frameworks.

Lesson 3 • Fluid Resuscitation Principles

Covers crystalloid and colloid selection, bolus volumes, and reassessment endpoints for fluid therapy. Links fluid administration to preload optimisation and cardiac output response.

Lesson 4 • Vasoactive Drug Administration

Reviews vasopressors, inotropes, and vasodilators used in haemodynamic management and their receptor mechanisms. Emphasises safe titration, concentration verification, and line security.

Lesson 1 • Obstetric Haemodynamic Changes

Describes physiologic cardiovascular adaptations of pregnancy including increased blood volume and reduced SVR. Addresses aortocaval compression and postpartum haemodynamic shifts.

Lesson 2 • Haemodynamic Crisis Simulation

Integrates all prior knowledge in simulated rapid deterioration scenarios requiring real-time haemodynamic decision-making. Builds confidence and speed in crisis recognition and response.

Lesson 3 • Sepsis and Septic Shock Management

Applies time-sensitive bundle elements to sepsis haemodynamic resuscitation including fluid, vasopressors, and lactate clearance. Reinforces early recognition and rapid escalation.

Lesson 4 • Post-Cardiac Surgery Haemodynamics

Covers the unique haemodynamic challenges of cardiopulmonary bypass effects, hypothermia, and vasoplegia after cardiac surgery. Prepares students for high-acuity post-operative monitoring.