CCTC Pre-Transplant Candidate Evaluation 3

Question 1

A candidate for liver transplant has a MELD score of 28. What does this score primarily reflect?

Accepted Answer

The 90-day mortality risk from liver disease and urgency for transplantation

Answer

The MELD score (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) estimates 90-day mortality from liver failure and is used to prioritize waitlist candidates by urgency.

Question 2

Which cancer history is generally considered an absolute contraindication to solid organ transplantation?

Accepted Answer

Active metastatic malignancy with no curative treatment available

Answer

Active metastatic malignancy without curative options is an absolute contraindication because immunosuppression would accelerate tumor progression.

Question 3

During nutritional assessment of a cirrhotic liver transplant candidate, severe sarcopenia is identified. Why is this clinically significant?

Accepted Answer

Sarcopenia is associated with increased waitlist mortality and worse post-transplant outcomes

Answer

Severe muscle wasting (sarcopenia) in cirrhotic patients is independently associated with higher waitlist mortality and increased post-transplant morbidity.

Question 4

A patient being evaluated for heart transplant has been treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and has been in remission for 3 years. What is the standard approach to this history?

Accepted Answer

Apply disease-free interval criteria (typically 2-5 years) and assess recurrence risk with oncology

Answer

Most centers apply disease-specific disease-free interval requirements and require oncology clearance; for lymphoma, 3 years may be acceptable depending on histology and risk.

Question 5

A potential kidney transplant candidate has significant bilateral iliac artery calcification on CT imaging. Why is this relevant to transplant evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Severe vascular disease may prevent adequate arterial anastomosis for the transplanted kidney

Answer

Severe iliac artery calcification can compromise blood flow to the transplanted kidney and complicate surgical vascular anastomosis.

CCTC - Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator Practice Test

CCTC - Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator Practice Test

CCTC Pre-Transplant Candidate Evaluation 3