CVT Hemodynamic Monitoring 2

Question 1

A patient's pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is 22 mmHg. This finding most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Left ventricular failure

Answer

An elevated PCWP above 18 mmHg reflects increased left atrial pressure, indicating left ventricular failure or fluid overload.

Question 2

During thermodilution cardiac output measurement, which factor would cause a falsely HIGH cardiac output reading?

Accepted Answer

Injecting cold injectate too slowly

Answer

Injecting the cold injectate too slowly allows it to warm before reaching the thermistor, producing a smaller temperature change and falsely elevated CO calculation.

Question 3

Which hemodynamic parameter is calculated using the formula: (MAP - RAP) / CO × 80?

Accepted Answer

Systemic vascular resistance (SVR)

Answer

SVR = (MAP − RAP) / CO × 80, expressed in dyne·sec·cm⁻⁵, quantifying afterload to the left ventricle.

Question 4

A patient has a cardiac output of 4 L/min and a body surface area of 2.0 m². What is the cardiac index?

Accepted Answer

2.0 L/min/m²

Answer

Cardiac index = CO / BSA = 4 / 2.0 = 2.0 L/min/m², which is at the lower limit of normal (normal: 2.2–4.0).

Question 5

Which waveform component of the arterial pressure tracing represents the closure of the aortic valve?

Accepted Answer

Dicrotic notch

Answer

The dicrotic notch is a brief pressure rise followed by a dip on the descending limb, marking aortic valve closure at the end of systole.

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

CVT Hemodynamic Monitoring 2