CCP Vasoactive Drug Pharmacology 3

Question 1

Which vasoactive drug is the first-line agent recommended by AHA/ACC for vasoplegic syndrome following cardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

Vasopressin

Answer

Vasopressin is recommended as a first-line agent for vasoplegic syndrome because it restores vascular tone via V1 receptors in patients refractory to catecholamines.

Question 2

The alpha-to-beta receptor activity ratio of epinephrine shifts at higher doses to primarily:

Accepted Answer

Increase alpha-1 activity causing vasoconstriction

Answer

At high doses, epinephrine's alpha-1 agonist activity predominates, overriding beta-2 vasodilation and causing significant systemic vasoconstriction.

Question 3

Nitroglycerin's preferential vasodilation of venous capacitance vessels over arterioles makes it most useful for treating:

Accepted Answer

Acute pulmonary edema with elevated preload

Answer

By dilating venous capacitance vessels, nitroglycerin reduces preload and ventricular filling pressures, making it ideal for acute pulmonary edema.

Question 4

A patient on CPB receives phenylephrine to treat hypotension. The expected hemodynamic response includes:

Accepted Answer

Increased SVR with reflex bradycardia

Answer

Phenylephrine is a pure alpha-1 agonist that increases SVR; the resulting rise in blood pressure triggers a baroreceptor-mediated reflex bradycardia.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes tachyphylaxis as it relates to continuous nitroglycerin infusion?

Accepted Answer

Progressive loss of hemodynamic response over 24–48 hours

Answer

Continuous nitroglycerin infusion leads to tachyphylaxis—diminished vasodilatory response—within 24–48 hours due to depletion of sulfhydryl groups needed for nitric oxide generation.

(CCP) Certified Clinical Perfusionist Practice Test

(CCP) Certified Clinical Perfusionist Practice Test

CCP Vasoactive Drug Pharmacology 3