Clinical judgment in critical care -- Cardiovascular anatomy and physiology -- Indications for cardiac surgery -- Preoperative cardiac surgery nursing evaluation -- Heart valve surgery -- Cardiopulmonary bypass and off-pump coronary artery bypass -- Minimally invasive cardiac surgery -- Recovery of anesthesia following cardiac surgery -- Hemodynamic monitoring -- Intra-aortic balloon pump -- Mechanical ventilation after open heart surgery -- Pharmacological support following cardiac surgery -- Postoperative complications of cardiac surgery and nursing interventions -- Pain management -- Postoperative dysrhythmias -- Neurologic complications -- Fluid and electrolyte imbalances following cardiac surgery -- Wound care -- Bridge to transplant and cardiac transplantation -- Complications of obesity of the cardiac surgery patient -- Cardiogenetics -- Nutritional issues in the patient undergoing cardiac surgery -- Psychological support for the patient undergoing cardiac surgery and the family -- Rehabilitation and care of the cardiac surgery patient on discharge -- Post-ICU care and other complications.