EDAIC Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology 4

Question 1

Which ion channel is primarily responsible for the plateau phase (phase 2) of the ventricular action potential?

Accepted Answer

L-type calcium channels

Answer

L-type (long-lasting) calcium channels carry slow inward calcium current responsible for the prolonged plateau phase 2 of the ventricular action potential.

Question 2

In a patient with right heart failure, which hemodynamic finding is MOST characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Elevated CVP with relatively normal PCWP

Answer

Right heart failure causes venous congestion (elevated CVP/JVP) but initially without pulmonary congestion, so PCWP may remain relatively normal.

Question 3

Which of the following describes the effect of increased afterload on the LV pressure-volume loop?

Accepted Answer

Decreased stroke volume with increased end-systolic volume

Answer

Increased afterload raises the pressure against which the ventricle must eject, resulting in decreased stroke volume and an elevated end-systolic volume.

Question 4

Nitroglycerin at low doses primarily reduces preload by:

Accepted Answer

Venodilation reducing venous return and LVEDP

Answer

At low doses, nitroglycerin predominantly dilates veins, pooling blood in the venous capacitance system, reducing venous return and cardiac preload.

Question 5

The oxygen delivery (DO2) equation is best represented as:

Accepted Answer

DO2 = CO × (Hb × 1.34 × SaO2 + 0.003 × PaO2)

Answer

DO2 = CO × CaO2, where CaO2 = (Hb × 1.34 × SaO2) + (0.003 × PaO2), reflecting both hemoglobin-bound and dissolved oxygen contributions.

EDAIC - European Diploma in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Practice Test

EDAIC - European Diploma in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Practice Test

EDAIC Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology 4