CVP Technical Skills and Equipment Operation

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of an oxygenator in a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system?

Accepted Answer

To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood

Answer

To filter blood for impurities

Answer

To provide mechanical support to the heart

Answer

To monitor blood pressure

Question 2

How should a perfusionist handle an alarm indicating low arterial pressure during CPB?

Accepted Answer

Check the connections and flow rate, and then assess the patient’s condition

Answer

Immediately disconnect the CPB machine

Answer

Increase the temperature of the oxygenator

Answer

Administer anticoagulants to prevent clotting

Question 3

What is the recommended procedure for priming the CPB circuit before initiating cardiopulmonary bypass?

Accepted Answer

Prime the circuit with a mixture of blood and saline, ensuring no air bubbles are present

Answer

Use saline solution to fill the circuit and then add heparin

Answer

Fill the circuit with blood from the patient

Answer

Flush the circuit with sterile water and air dry

Question 4

When troubleshooting a malfunctioning CPB machine, which of the following steps should be performed first?

Accepted Answer

Review the machine’s operational manual and perform a visual inspection

Answer

Contact the manufacturer for support

Answer

Replace all components with spare parts

Answer

Shut down the machine and cease the procedure immediately

Question 5

What is the purpose of a bubble detector in a CPB system?

Accepted Answer

To detect and alert the presence of air bubbles in the blood circuit

Answer

To measure blood oxygen levels

Answer

To monitor patient temperature

Answer

To calculate blood flow rates