CVT Hemodynamic Monitoring 5

Question 1

Septic shock (distributive) is best characterized hemodynamically by:

Accepted Answer

High CO, low SVR, low PCWP

Answer

Early septic shock features vasodilation (low SVR), compensatory high cardiac output, and relatively low filling pressures from venous pooling.

Question 2

The stroke volume (SV) can be calculated from hemodynamic data using which formula?

Accepted Answer

SV = CO / HR × 1000

Answer

Stroke volume = (CO in L/min / HR in beats/min) × 1000 mL/L, converting to mL per beat.

Question 3

When a PA catheter is in the correct wedge position, the waveform should resemble which pressure tracing?

Accepted Answer

Left atrial pressure with 'a' and 'v' waves

Answer

In the wedge position, the inflated balloon occludes forward flow, allowing the distal tip to sense static left atrial pressure with characteristic 'a' and 'v' waves.

Question 4

A patient post-cardiac surgery has a CO of 2.1 L/min, CI of 1.1 L/min/m², and PCWP of 20 mmHg. These findings suggest:

Accepted Answer

Cardiogenic shock with fluid overload

Answer

A CI below 2.2 with an elevated PCWP indicates the left ventricle is volume-loaded but failing, consistent with cardiogenic shock.

Question 5

Right atrial pressure (RAP/CVP) primarily reflects:

Accepted Answer

Right ventricular preload and right-sided filling

Answer

CVP/RAP directly measures right atrial filling pressure, which approximates right ventricular end-diastolic pressure and right-sided preload.

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

CVT Hemodynamic Monitoring 5