CSC Hemodynamic Monitoring & Assessment 2

Question 1

Cardiac index is calculated by dividing cardiac output by:

Accepted Answer

Body surface area

Answer

Cardiac index normalizes cardiac output to body surface area (L/min/m²), allowing comparison across patients of different sizes.

Question 2

Which condition is most likely when pulmonary artery diastolic pressure significantly exceeds PCWP?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary hypertension

Answer

Elevated pulmonary artery diastolic–PCWP gradient (>5 mmHg) indicates increased pulmonary vascular resistance, as seen in pulmonary hypertension.

Question 3

Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO₂) measured via pulmonary artery catheter normally ranges from:

Accepted Answer

60–75%

Answer

Normal SvO₂ is 60–75%, reflecting the oxygen remaining in venous blood after tissue extraction; values below 60% suggest increased oxygen extraction or reduced delivery.

Question 4

A patient has CO 2.5 L/min, HR 110 bpm. What is the stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

23 mL

Answer

Stroke volume = CO / HR = 2500 mL/min ÷ 110 bpm ≈ 23 mL, which is severely reduced (normal ~70 mL).

Question 5

Which non-invasive technique uses changes in thoracic electrical impedance to estimate cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

Impedance cardiography

Answer

Impedance cardiography (bioimpedance) measures changes in thoracic electrical resistance caused by aortic blood flow to non-invasively estimate cardiac output.

CSC - Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam Practice Test

CSC - Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam Practice Test

CSC Hemodynamic Monitoring & Assessment 2