CVP Pharmacology and Blood Management

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of heparin in preventing clotting?

Accepted Answer

Heparin binds to antithrombin III, dramatically accelerating its inhibition of thrombin and Factor Xa

Answer

It destroys existing blood clots

Answer

It prevents platelet production

Answer

It thins the blood by removing water

Question 2

What vasopressor is commonly used to maintain blood pressure during bypass?

Accepted Answer

Phenylephrine

Answer

Aspirin

Answer

Warfarin

Answer

Digoxin

Question 3

What is the role of mannitol in cardiopulmonary bypass?

Accepted Answer

It acts as an osmotic diuretic to maintain urine output and reduce cellular swelling

Answer

It prevents blood clotting

Answer

It provides nutrition to the patient

Answer

It regulates heart rhythm

Question 4

When is blood transfusion indicated during cardiopulmonary bypass?

Accepted Answer

When hematocrit drops below a critical threshold, typically around 21-24%

Answer

At the beginning of every bypass procedure

Answer

Only if the patient requests it

Answer

Blood transfusion is never needed during bypass

Question 5

What is the purpose of adding sodium bicarbonate during bypass?

Accepted Answer

To correct metabolic acidosis by buffering excess acid in the blood

Answer

To prevent infection

Answer

To thin the blood

Answer

To increase blood flow

Question 6

What is epsilon-aminocaproic acid (Amicar) used for during cardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

To inhibit fibrinolysis and reduce bleeding

Answer

To increase blood clotting speed

Answer

To prevent infection

Answer

To maintain blood pressure