In a 16-year-old patient on mechanical ventilation, what is the vascular resistance of the systemic circulation if given MAP, CVP, and CO?

To determine the vascular resistance of the systemic circulation, you can use the formula for systemic vascular resistance (SVR), which is based on mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), and cardiac output (CO). The equation is given by:

[ SVR = \frac{(MAP - CVP)}{CO} \times 80 ]

This formula calculates resistance in terms of dynes (a unit of measure related to the force required to accelerate a mass). When you subtract the central venous pressure from the mean arterial pressure, you're effectively calculating the pressure gradient that drives blood flow through the systemic circulation. Dividing this pressure difference by the cardiac output provides the systemic vascular resistance.

Given that the correct answer is 1440 Dynes, it suggests that the calculation using the values for MAP, CVP, and CO provided will yield that specific resistance value. Understanding how to manipulate these values and interpret the resulting number is crucial in clinical settings where assessing hemodynamics is necessary, particularly in patients on mechanical ventilation who may experience altered cardiovascular dynamics. Thus, the ability to calculate SVR correctly can inform decisions regarding fluid management, medication dosing, and overall treatment strategies for hemodynamic stability.