CCS CCS Hemodynamics & Cardiac Monitoring 2

Question 1

A cardiac index (CI) below which value is considered critically low and indicative of severe hemodynamic compromise?

Accepted Answer

1.8 L/min/m²

Answer

A cardiac index below 1.8 L/min/m² is associated with cardiogenic shock and indicates critically impaired cardiac performance requiring urgent intervention.

Question 2

In a normal 12-lead ECG, the PR interval represents conduction through which structures?

Accepted Answer

AV node and His-Purkinje system

Answer

The PR interval represents conduction time from the atria through the AV node, bundle of His, and bundle branches before ventricular activation.

Question 3

Which hemodynamic finding distinguishes right heart failure from left heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Elevated CVP with normal or low PAWP

Answer

Right heart failure causes elevated central venous pressure (CVP) with relative preservation of left-sided filling pressures (PAWP), reflecting isolated right ventricular dysfunction.

Question 4

Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) below 60% most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Increased oxygen extraction due to low cardiac output or high demand

Answer

SvO2 <60% indicates that tissues are extracting more oxygen than normal, suggesting inadequate oxygen delivery relative to demand, often from low cardiac output.

Question 5

A dicrotic notch on an arterial pressure waveform corresponds to which cardiac event?

Accepted Answer

Aortic valve closure

Answer

The dicrotic notch represents the brief pressure increase caused by aortic valve closure at the end of systole, visible on the downslope of the arterial waveform.

(CCS) Certified Cardiovascular Specialist Practice Test

(CCS) Certified Cardiovascular Specialist Practice Test

CCS CCS Hemodynamics & Cardiac Monitoring 2