Third level hemodynamics: guiding clinical decisions

Hemodynamic monitoring is one of the most frequently used technologies in critical care nursing. But how often do critical care practitioners consider the underlying reason for monitoring these variables? What really is the oxygen balance in the cell? How does oxygen supply and demand figure into the hemodynamic equation? This article demonstrates how the imbalance of oxygen supply and demand at the cellular level is important to understanding the patient's hemodynamic status. It is followed by a continuing education packet you can use to teach the cellular principles of hemodynamics.