CVP Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Question 1

What is the primary function of a cardiopulmonary bypass machine?

Accepted Answer

To temporarily replace the function of the heart and lungs during surgery

Answer

The CPB machine takes over circulation and gas exchange, allowing the surgeon to operate on a still, bloodless heart.

Question 2

What anticoagulant is most commonly used during cardiopulmonary bypass?

Accepted Answer

Heparin

Answer

Heparin is the standard anticoagulant used during CPB because of its rapid onset, effectiveness, and reversibility with protamine.

Question 3

What is the activated clotting time (ACT) target range during cardiopulmonary bypass?

Accepted Answer

Greater than 480 seconds

Answer

An ACT greater than 480 seconds ensures adequate anticoagulation to prevent clot formation in the bypass circuit.

Question 4

What is the role of the oxygenator in the bypass circuit?

Accepted Answer

To add oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the blood

Answer

The oxygenator functions as an artificial lung, performing gas exchange by adding oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

Question 5

What is hemodilution during cardiopulmonary bypass?

Accepted Answer

Dilution of blood with crystalloid or colloid priming solutions reducing hematocrit

Answer

Hemodilution occurs when the circuits priming volume mixes with the patients blood, lowering the hematocrit and viscosity.

(CVP) Cardiovascular Perfusionist Practice Test