# Hemodynamics: study objectives

> **Educational work by a pre-medical student — not medical advice.** Not a clinical protocol, prescription, or patient handout, and not for patient care. See [DISCLAIMER](../DISCLAIMER.md).

Independent premedical study objectives, revised 27 October 2026. These assess explanation and evidence appraisal, not authority or competence to perform clinical procedures.

## Explain the model

- Relate cardiac output to heart rate and stroke volume; distinguish flow, pressure and perfusion.
- Use explicit units in oxygen-content/delivery calculations; see [unit conventions](../references/icu_physiology_notes.md).
- Distinguish central and mixed venous saturation and explain why neither independently proves tissue perfusion.
- Explain how preload, afterload, contractility, rhythm and ventricular interaction affect observations.

## Interpret evidence with limits

- Compare hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, obstructive and mixed mechanisms without forcing every case into one category.
- Explain why EF, CVP, wedge pressure, IVC appearance and a single lactate do not establish a complete diagnosis.
- Describe the assumptions of a dynamic responsiveness test and separate responsiveness from fluid indication and tolerance.
- Explain that PEEP may recruit or overdistend lung and may change venous return and RV afterload in different directions.
- Distinguish observed device values from estimated flow and from an established cause of an alarm.

## Apply to a synthetic case

List the fictional facts, at least two hypotheses, missing information and one source that could support a specific interpretation. Explain what would falsify your leading hypothesis. Do not write drug doses, device settings, transfusion thresholds or automatic rescue plans.

Use the [source guide](../references/bibliography.md) and [rubric](self_assessment_rubric.md). A strong written analysis is not proof of readiness to manage patients or devices.