Keywords

cardiac output, dynamic response, hemodynamic profile, hemodynamic waveform analysis, level, pulmonary artery catheter, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, zero

Authors

1. Dietz, Beth MSN, RN, CCRN
2. Smith, Tina T. BSN, RN

Abstract

Assuring that critical care nurses have the skill and knowledge necessary to accurately utilize the many diagnostic monitoring functions available within critical care is essential for optimizing patient outcomes. This performance improvement project focused on the hemodynamic monitoring skills and knowledge level of the critical care nurses in both a cardiovascular and medical/surgical intensive care unit. A four-step progressive intervention strategy was initiated based on our pre-implementation assessment. Post-implementation measures demonstrated a substantial increase in the skill and knowledge level of the nurses.