Course Curriculum

Cardiac Physiology: This lecture reviews basic concepts of cardiac anatomy and physiology. Building upon these concepts, we dive into a high-level overview of hemodynamics. Throughout this lecture, we reinforce the learning with carefully crafted case studies to prepare the learner to use the information at the bedside.

Arterial Lines and Central Lines: This lecture explores the indications and management of arterial and central lines. We will demonstrate how to: prime an arterial line, draw labs from an arterial line, level and zero and arterial line, and obtain a CVP pressure reading.

Critical Care Infusions: This lecture covers critical care infusions commonly prescribed for ICU and PCU patients. We review indications, side effects, common dosages; and expand our understanding of these concepts through case studies.

Pulmonary Physiology: This lecture will walk you through ABGs, respiratory failure, and ventilator management. At the end, we bring these topics together with case studies.

Critical Care Assessment: This lecture starts by comparing the different types of assessments seen in critical care nursing: head-to-toe, ongoing, and focused. After discussing the different types, we go through a case study to illustrate when each type of assessment is appropriate. Finally, we review the common hospital-acquired infections and complications seen in critical care: CLABSIs, CAUTIs, NV-HAP, VAP, and pressure ulcers, and how to prevent them.

Critical Care Case Studies: We wrap up this course by going through two different case studies. Each case study utilizes concepts from all of the lectures so the learner can see how to use this information in real life.