CVP Technical Skills and Equipment Operation 5

Question 1

Which action should a perfusionist take first when a massive air embolism is detected in the arterial line?

Accepted Answer

Clamp the arterial line and stop the pump immediately

Answer

Clamping the arterial line and stopping the pump immediately prevents further air from entering the patient's circulation.

Question 2

During retrograde autologous priming (RAP), the purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Replace crystalloid prime with the patient's own blood to reduce hemodilution

Answer

RAP displaces crystalloid prime by allowing the patient's blood to fill the circuit before bypass begins, reducing hemodilution and transfusion requirements.

Question 3

The roller pump occlusion setting in a CPB circuit should be calibrated so that:

Accepted Answer

The roller is nearly occlusive, allowing a slow drop of 1 cm/min in a vertical column test

Answer

Near-occlusive calibration (1 cm/min drop) balances adequate flow delivery against hemolysis risk from excessive tubing compression.

Question 4

When transitioning from CPB to weaning, the perfusionist reduces pump flow while the surgeon assesses cardiac function. Which parameter is monitored to guide safe weaning?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac filling pressures and ventricular contractility on TEE

Answer

Weaning success depends on adequate cardiac filling and contractile function, best assessed through ventricular function on TEE and filling pressure monitoring.

Question 5

Protamine sulfate is administered after CPB primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Reverse heparin anticoagulation by forming an inactive complex with heparin

Answer

Protamine binds ionically to heparin in a 1:1 ratio, forming a stable salt complex that neutralizes anticoagulant activity and restores normal coagulation.

(CVP) Cardiovascular Perfusionist Practice Test

(CVP) Cardiovascular Perfusionist Practice Test

CVP Technical Skills and Equipment Operation 5