IBHRE Patient Safety and Radiation Management 2

Question 1

Cardiac tamponade during an EP procedure is recognized by which constellation of findings?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension, elevated venous pressure, and equalized diastolic pressures

Answer

Tamponade produces Beck's triad of hypotension, elevated jugular venous pressure, and muffled heart sounds, with equalization of diastolic pressures across cardiac chambers.

Question 2

Why is systemic heparin anticoagulation routinely administered during left-sided EP procedures?

Accepted Answer

To prevent thromboembolism from catheter and sheath surfaces in the left heart

Answer

Heparin prevents thrombus formation on intracardiac catheters and sheaths within the left heart, reducing the risk of systemic thromboembolism and stroke.

Question 3

Air embolism during EP procedures is prevented primarily by?

Accepted Answer

Careful flushing and de-airing of all sheaths and catheters before insertion

Answer

Thoroughly flushing and de-airing all intravascular sheaths, introducers, and catheters with saline before insertion prevents air from entering the vasculature.

Question 4

The 'safe zone' for femoral vascular access lies?

Accepted Answer

Below the inguinal ligament where the common femoral vessels are accessible

Answer

The common femoral artery and vein should be accessed below the inguinal ligament to avoid the external iliac vessels and reduce retroperitoneal hematoma risk.

Question 5

Vascular closure devices (VCDs) after EP procedures are primarily used to?

Accepted Answer

Achieve hemostasis with reduced manual compression time

Answer

Vascular closure devices seal the arterial or venous puncture site using collagen plugs, sutures, or clips, significantly reducing manual compression time and patient discomfort.

IBHRE - International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners Practice Test

IBHRE - International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners Practice Test

IBHRE Patient Safety and Radiation Management 2