Principles of SvO2 Monitoring: This section presents the principles that apply to monitoring mixed venous oxygen saturation in the critically ill patient. A detailed description of the variables that affect SvO2 is presented. Systemic oxygen delivery (cardiac output, SaO2, hemoglobin) and oxygen demand (amount of oxygen consumed by the tissues - VO2) as they relate to evaluating SvO2 is emphasized as well as the importance of maintaining a balance between oxygen delivery and oxygen demand. Contains example calculations of SvO2.

Clinical Application of SvO2 Monitoring: This section teaches the user how to interpret changes in SvO2 and apply this knowledge to the clinical situation. The physiologic conditions and causes associated with high and low SvO2 values as well as the therapeutic interventions aimed at increasing oxygen delivery and decreasing oxygen demand are presented. Several animated SvO2 waveforms and patient scenarios are presented. The user has the option of printing a summary of this section.

The SvO2 Monitoring System: This section defines and describes in graphics the component parts of the SvO2 monitoring system (the fiberoptic PA catheter, the optical module, and the oximeter). This section also details the audio and visual alarms incorporated into the oximeter as well as the two types of oximeter calibration techniques. Through graphics and computerized animation, the user is shown how the transmitting fiberoptic sends alternating pulses of wavelengths of red light out the PA catheter tip and into the bloodstream and how the receiving fiberoptic sends the reflected light through the PA catheter and to the optical module.

Obtaining Mixed Venous Blood Gas Samples: This section displays the equipment required for obtaining a mixed venous blood gas sample as well as the procedure (through computerized animation) for obtaining a mixed venous blood gas sample. The user has the option of printing a copy of the procedural instructions.

Equation Review: This section presents (one at a time and in a randomized fashion) the equations that were presented throughout the various sections of the program. The user is asked to solve the equation and is given feedback for correct calculations as well as incorrect calculations. A bank of randomly selected numbers gives a virtual unlimited supply of numbers for the user to practice the various equations as many times as he/she wishes. A built in calculator is included in this section to aid the user in performing calculations.