Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp Curriculum
Published on: March 12, 2018
HeartCode BLS with voice assisted manikin for teaching nursing students: preliminary results
Marilyn H Oermann1, Suzan Kardong-Edgren, Tamara Odom-Maryon
1School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. moermann@email.unc.edu
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of HeartCode BLS, a self-directed, computer-based course for obtaining basic life support (BLS) certification. For part 2 of the course, students learned and practiced their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) psychomotor skills on a voice assisted manikin (VAM). Students from 10 schools of nursing were randomly assigned to two types of CPR training: HeartCode BLS with VAM or the standard, instructor-led (IL) course with manikins that were not voice assisted; 264 students trained using HeartCode BLS and 339 had an IL course. When students passed their respective courses and were certified in BLS, their CPR skills were tested using the Laerdal PC SkillReporting System. Students who trained using HeartCode BLS and practiced their CPR skills on VAMs were significantly more accurate in their ventilations, compressions, and single-rescuer CPR than students who had the standard, IL course with regular manikins.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System IV: Auscultation
Normal Heart Sounds
S1 (First Heart Sound)-
S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
S2 (Second Heart Sound)-
S2 is made by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves (semilunar valves), marking the end of the systole.
Nursing Evaluation
Section...
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.
Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...