The Cardiovascular System by @PICUnursing

This weeks @OUH_CCritCare Fundamentals course topic was the cardiovascular system. It’s safe to say we all started the day feeling terrified about all things cardiac, but by the end our perceptions have had a change of heart #PedsICU

Topics covered:

* Anatomy and physiology revision
* Assessment of Cardiovascular status in the context of a sick child
* Cardiac output and complicated terms
* Rhythm recognition
* Shock fluids and inotropes a first step
* Arterial lines and their care
* Blood gases

The cardiovascular is a big system to cover in one day, but the chosen topics were extremely useful for gaining a basic understanding to underpin our nursing care and support our recognition of deteriorating patients.

Key things we learnt include...

•Revised the normal anatomy of the heart, including its structure and function
•Discussed the specific cardiovascular assessments made in our nursing practice and identifying potential causes of these findings such as - Tachycardia ...

... being caused by pain, infection, stress response, hypovolemic shock & compensation etc

•Formulas for calculating Cardiac Output e.g. Stroke Volume X Heart rate = Cardiac Output and what can increase and decrease such cardiac output

•Shockable (Atrial fibrillation and Ventricular Tachycardia) and Non-Shockable rhythms (Asystole and Pulseless electrical activity) were covered and the PQRST complexes made clearer allowing us to recognise abnormal 3-lead ECC rhythms.

•A variety of shocks were discussed - Distributive, Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic and obstructive shock! We specially discussed the silent signs of shock and fluid resus.

•Arterial line nursing care was covered, and the indication for insertion. Reminding us of the importance of using such invasive lines with care and competently.

•Finally, we covered normal and abnormal blood gases. Identifying the indication of results, and whether these are respiratory/metabolic, compensated or uncompensated.

Thank you to our fabulous education team and all staff members who took time to produce such informative and interactive sessions - it makes such a difference to our care!! @OUHPracticeD_E