Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery

Question 1

Which preoperative medication is typically continued until the day of cardiac surgery to prevent rebound angina?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Beta-blockers should be continued perioperatively to prevent rebound tachycardia and ischemia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Question 2

The most common early arrhythmia occurring after cardiac surgery is:

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Atrial fibrillation occurs in up to 30–40% of patients after cardiac surgery and is the most common postoperative arrhythmia.

Question 3

Low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery is best initially managed with:

Accepted Answer

Inotropic support and optimization of preload and afterload

Answer

Low cardiac output syndrome is managed by optimizing preload, reducing afterload, and adding inotropes to improve myocardial contractility.

Question 4

Cardiac tamponade after cardiac surgery classically presents with:

Accepted Answer

Hypotension, elevated CVP, and equalization of filling pressures

Answer

Cardiac tamponade produces the classic triad of hypotension, elevated central venous pressure, and equalization of diastolic pressures across cardiac chambers.

Question 5

Which electrolyte abnormality most commonly predisposes patients to arrhythmias in the early postoperative period after cardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia is common after cardiac surgery due to diuresis and hemodilution, and it significantly increases the risk of postoperative arrhythmias.

Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Practice Test

Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Practice Test

Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery