Cardiac output equals heart rate times stroke volume… but what does that really mean and how does it apply to the bedside? This formula (CO = HR x SV) is crucial for nurses to understand in the application of vasopressors and inotropes, so why is it so difficult to memorize their role in improving cardiac output?

This episode is dedicated to breaking down these life-saving medications so you can not only memorize their expected effect on vital signs, but more importantly, understand how they work in the body. Host Sarah Lorenzini provides a comprehensive lesson in these three classes of medications: vasopressors, inopressors and inodilators. She covers how each affects heart rate and stroke volume, diving into the alpha and beta adrenergic receptors that impact cardiac output.

Sarah also shares memory aids to help you remember these concepts and apply them to your clinical decision making.

Tune in now to learn the basics of vasopressors and inotropes!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The role of sympathomimetics to improve cardiac output
• Adrenergic and vasopressin receptors
• Vasopressor types and medications

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