title: Plunging into preload and afterload.
abstract: Tools for teaching new nurses surround you in the intensive care unit. This article presents a simple exercise using readily available supplies to help nurses gain a solid understanding of preload and afterload.
authors.affiliation: Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, MS, USA.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Petersen
mesh_terms: D001810:Blood Volume / Q000502:physiology; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000502:physiology*; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology*; D013599:Systole / Q000502:physiology; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D017725:Ventricular Pressure / Q000502:physiology