CVT Cardiac Catheterization Procedures 2

Question 1

During a left heart catheterization, which valve must the catheter cross to enter the left ventricle when using the retrograde approach?

Accepted Answer

Aortic valve

Answer

The retrograde approach enters the femoral artery, travels up the aorta, and crosses the aortic valve to reach the left ventricle.

Question 2

A patient develops a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of cardiac output during catheterization. The monitor shows electrical alternans. What is the most likely complication?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Cardiac tamponade causes electrical alternans, hemodynamic compromise, and requires immediate pericardiocentesis.

Question 3

Which hemodynamic finding is characteristic of severe mitral stenosis on cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Elevated mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with a diastolic gradient

Answer

Severe mitral stenosis produces an elevated mean PCWP with a pressure gradient between PCWP and left ventricular diastolic pressure.

Question 4

The Gorlin formula is used during cardiac catheterization to calculate which measurement?

Accepted Answer

Valve orifice area

Answer

The Gorlin formula uses flow and pressure gradient across a valve to calculate valve orifice area.

Question 5

During right heart catheterization, the catheter is positioned in the pulmonary artery 'wedge' position. What does this measurement approximate?

Accepted Answer

Left atrial pressure

Answer

The PCWP reflects back-pressure from the left atrium when the catheter occludes forward flow in a branch pulmonary artery.

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

CVT Cardiac Catheterization Procedures 2