CVP Technical Skills and Equipment Operation 3

Question 1

The primary purpose of the cardiotomy reservoir in a CPB circuit is to:

Accepted Answer

Collect and filter shed blood from the surgical field for reinfusion

Answer

The cardiotomy reservoir collects blood suctioned from the surgical field, filters it, and returns it to the venous reservoir for reinfusion.

Question 2

When priming a CPB circuit, crystalloid prime is preferred over blood prime primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Reduces exposure to allogeneic blood products and associated risks

Answer

Crystalloid prime avoids donor blood exposure risks including transfusion reactions, infection, and immunologic sensitization.

Question 3

A perfusionist observes plasma-colored urine turning pink during CPB. This most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Hemolysis with hemoglobinuria

Answer

Pink or red urine during CPB indicates hemoglobinuria from hemolysis, which can result from mechanical trauma, air exposure, or excessive suction.

Question 4

The recommended activated clotting time (ACT) target during standard cardiopulmonary bypass with unfractionated heparin is:

Accepted Answer

Greater than 400–480 seconds

Answer

An ACT greater than 400–480 seconds is required to prevent clotting within the CPB circuit and is the standard target during bypass.

Question 5

Which component of the CPB circuit is responsible for eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood?

Accepted Answer

The membrane oxygenator via the sweep gas flow

Answer

CO2 elimination in the oxygenator is controlled by adjusting sweep gas flow rate; higher sweep gas increases CO2 removal.

(CVP) Cardiovascular Perfusionist Practice Test