CSC Hemodynamic Monitoring & Assessment

Question 1

Which hemodynamic parameter is calculated as the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Pulse pressure

Answer

Pulse pressure is the arithmetic difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and reflects arterial stiffness and stroke volume.

Question 2

A normal cardiac output in a resting adult is approximately:

Accepted Answer

4–8 L/min

Answer

Normal resting cardiac output ranges from 4 to 8 L/min, representing the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Question 3

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is used to estimate pressure in which cardiac chamber?

Accepted Answer

Left atrium

Answer

PCWP approximates left atrial pressure because the inflated balloon occludes forward flow, reflecting the static column of blood back to the left atrium.

Question 4

Which Swan-Ganz catheter waveform finding indicates proper placement in the pulmonary artery?

Accepted Answer

Dicrotic notch and diastolic pressure higher than RV diastolic

Answer

The pulmonary artery waveform shows a dicrotic notch from pulmonic valve closure and a diastolic pressure higher than right ventricular diastolic pressure.

Question 5

In a patient with cardiogenic shock, which hemodynamic profile is most characteristic?

Accepted Answer

High PCWP, low CO, high SVR

Answer

Cardiogenic shock is characterized by elevated filling pressures (high PCWP), reduced cardiac output, and compensatory high systemic vascular resistance.

CSC - Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam Practice Test

CSC - Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam Practice Test

CSC Hemodynamic Monitoring & Assessment