Thermodilution or Fick for Measuring Cardiac Output: Determining the Best Option

Activity Summary

This session serves as a reminder for both novice and experienced nurses about the significance of data acquired from a pulmonary artery catheter in assessing cardiac output. The two commonly used methods for measuring cardiac output are thermodilution (Td) and estimated oxygen uptake Fick method. It's important to understand the limitations and potential drawbacks of each method to make appropriate choices in critical situations.

Objectives

Summarize the use of the pulmonary artery catheter for conducting thermodilution cardiac output and acquiring a Fick calculation.
Identify the crucial elements of the thermodilution and Fick calculations and their connection to different disease conditions.
Describe the application of suitable cardiac output measurements.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.