RCIS Vascular Access and Closure Devices 3

Question 1

Which guidewire characteristic is most critical when exchanging catheters during cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Wire length sufficient to allow catheter removal without losing arterial access

Answer

During catheter exchange, using an exchange-length wire (260–300 cm) ensures the existing catheter can be fully removed while maintaining arterial access.

Question 2

The primary purpose of heparin administered during cardiac catheterization is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent thrombotic complications from catheter and sheath introduction

Answer

Systemic heparin anticoagulation prevents thrombus formation on catheters, guidewires, and sheaths placed within the arterial system during catheterization.

Question 3

When is a femoral venous sheath most important during right heart catheterization?

Accepted Answer

To maintain reliable venous access for emergency pacing or medication delivery

Answer

A femoral venous sheath during right heart catheterization maintains reliable venous access for emergency temporary pacing or rapid vasopressor administration if needed.

Question 4

Brachial artery access for catheterization carries which unique complication risk compared to femoral access?

Accepted Answer

Brachial artery thrombosis causing distal ischemia or median nerve injury

Answer

Brachial artery thrombosis is a specific risk of brachial access because the vessel is an end-artery in the arm, and thrombosis can cause limb-threatening ischemia or median nerve injury.

Question 5

Patent hemostasis during transradial catheterization is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining some antegrade radial artery flow while achieving hemostasis

Answer

Patent hemostasis maintains antegrade radial artery flow during compression, significantly reducing the incidence of post-procedural radial artery occlusion.

RCIS - Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist Practice Test

RCIS - Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist Practice Test

RCIS Vascular Access and Closure Devices 3