Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC) Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is a primary risk factor for developing respiratory complications postoperatively in cardiac patients?
• What is the initial intervention for treating postoperative hypotension in a cardiac surgery patient?
• What is the role of beta blockers in cardiac surgery patients in the immediate preoperative period?
• What can contribute to postoperative hyperkalemia in cardiac surgery patients?
• What is a potential effect of low cardiac output in the postoperative cardiac surgery patient?
• Compared to routine CPB, a patient undergoing aortic arch repair with DHCA will likely have?
• What nursing consideration is essential when using a chest tube drainage system?
• What is a common symptom of postpericardiotomy syndrome?
• What is a key feature of the water seal chamber in a chest tube drainage system?
• What is a key reason patients may not participate in breathing exercises post-surgery?
• What is a significant risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery?
• Which electrolyte disturbance is common postoperatively in association with hemodilution during CPB?
• What does lack of fluctuation (tidaling) in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicate?
• Which is a common response to hypovolemia due to blood loss during cardiac surgery?
• Postoperative antibiotics for cardiac surgery patients are typically given for how long?
• What is the most common manifestation of hypokalemia following cardiac surgery?
• What should be monitored in a patient with chest tubes to ensure ventilation is adequate?
• What immediate sign indicates potential cardiac tamponade after pacing wire removal?
• Management of postoperative hypertension primarily includes:
• What is the primary function of the water seal in a chest tube drainage system?
• Which post-op CABG patient is not ready to be weaned from mechanical ventilation?
• A recording shows P waves before QRS complexes in a patient with pacing wires. What is the rhythm?
• After CABG, what is the most concerning hemodynamic sign that may indicate cardiac tamponade?
• Which pacing mode is appropriate for a postoperative CABG patient with atrial fibrillation and a low ventricular rate?
• Atrial fibrillation is considered particularly dangerous in which type of patient?
• What is the primary indication for milking a chest tube in a post-operative patient?
• After a CABG surgery, which pacing wires connection would help diagnose atrial activity?
• Which of the following conditions does NOT represent a risk factor for infection following cardiac surgery?
• What intervention is needed for a post CABG patient with low output and high systemic vascular resistance?
• To obtain an atrial electrogram from an epicardial pacing wire, what connection should be made?
• What complication can arise from the use of cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with advanced atherosclerosis?
• In a post CABG patient with hypotension, low CO/CI, high PWP, and high SVR, which intervention is indicated?
• If an atrial electrogram shows P waves before every QRS complex, how should the rhythm be documented?
• Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of continued hypothermia in a postoperative patient?
• What is the most common cause of hypotension in the immediate post-operative period after CABG?
• When caring for a patient who had a radial artery harvested, what is a common preventive measure against spasm?
• What should patients with mechanical prosthetic valves be instructed to do regarding warfarin?
• When treating HIT, which drug class is preferred?
• In managing stable hemodynamic status after CABG, which statement is NOT true?
• How is perioperative myocardial infarction diagnosed in cardiac surgery patients?
• What is a classical finding in a patient suffering from cardiac tamponade?
• Which patient is at the highest risk for neurological complications after CABG?
• To prevent graft spasm in a patient who received a radial artery graft, which medication is typically administered?
• In the context of CABG recovery, what signifies a low cardiac output state?
• Why is maintaining sinus rhythm important in a patient with aortic stenosis?
• What does the acronym OPCAB stand for in cardiac surgery?
• When is a patient with an ongoing requirement for IV insulin recommended to start the drip preoperatively?
• What is the most appropriate therapy for an unstable post CABG patient with atrial fibrillation?
• Which of the following statements regarding SvO2 and SCvO2 monitoring is correct?
• What is the most critical assessment finding in a patient with suspected cardiac tamponade after CABG?
• What is a common complication in a post CABG patient who received a lot of contrast during cardiac cath?
• What indicates the need for emergency chest reopening in the ICU?
• After undergoing CABG surgery, what is the primary reason aspirin is indicated for patients?
• What is a common cause of postoperative hypertension following cardiac surgery?
• Which condition significantly increases the risk of sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery?
• Hemolytic anemia is a potential complication associated with which type of heart valves?
• Which of the following best describes proper timing for an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)?
• What would be the most appropriate medication for a patient post CABG with a BP of 192/96?
• Which of the following is true regarding the water seal chamber in a chest tube drainage system?
• If a patient post-CABG has 100 ml of dark blood in their chest tubes after being turned, what should the nurse do?
• For an unstable patient with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, which intervention is most appropriate?
• What is the maximum amount of suction typically applied to a chest tube drainage system?
• What is the primary purpose of the surgical MAZE procedure?
• What is a characteristic of a fast-track pathway for CABG patients?
• Which diagnostic tool is essential to confirm cardiac tamponade suspicion?
• What is the primary purpose of the MAZE procedure?
• Which factor is most likely to contribute to thrombocytopenia after CABG surgery?
• What is the recommended serum glucose level for diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery?
• In the context of postoperative care, when should oral hypoglycemic agents generally be held?
• What is the primary function of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine during surgery?
• In a patient undergoing emergent CABG with an atherosclerotic aorta, what is the main risk of cross-clamping the aorta?
• What is the expected outcome of proper chest tube management?
• Which of the following statements regarding effective drainage in chest tubes is correct?
• When assessing a patient with chest pain post-CABG, what is an indicator of pericarditis?
• After cardiac surgery, which complication can arise from the use of protamine?
• What complication could cause persistent hypotension in a post-operative CABG patient despite treatment with fluids and an alpha agonist?
• What is the most common postoperative arrhythmia following cardiac surgery?
• What does a high pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) indicate in a patient post aortic valve replacement?
• Which of the following could indicate a kink in the drainage system?
• What should be maintained to prevent complications in a patient with hypothermia upon ICU admission?
• All of the following can contribute to postoperative hyperkalemia except:
• To obtain an atrial electrogram from a patient post cardiac surgery, which connection should be made?
• What is the first action to take if blood is noted in the tubing of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)?
• What should the nurse monitor for when assessing the water seal chamber of a chest tube?
• What condition can lead to profound hemodynamic deterioration during atrial fibrillation?
• Which medication is appropriate for providing inotropic support after CABG surgery?
• The confusion and disorientation of a postoperative AVR patient are indicative of what condition?
• Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) primarily results from the binding of heparin to which factor?
• What condition does postpericardiotomy syndrome primarily involve?
• What does equalization of CVP and PWP pressures suggest in a post-operative patient?
• What is the proper location for the intra-aortic balloon during IABP therapy?
• How many days prior to elective surgery should clopidogrel be discontinued?
• What is a common nursing intervention for a patient with an arterial graft to prevent graft spasm?
• To prevent spasm of a radial artery graft, which medication is most appropriate?
• After pacing wire removal in a post-op patient, what condition must be monitored for?
• Is it true that urine output is expected to be high in the immediate postoperative period following surgery with CPB?
• What is a common complication associated with the use of arterial grafts like LIMA or radial artery?
• How long should preoperative IV antibiotics be administered before cardiac surgery?
• What is the primary goal of IABP therapy in severe LV failure?
• In cases of hypotension, how should norepinephrine be applied during recovery after cardiac surgery?
• Which factors contribute to the increased risk of sternal wound infection post-surgery?
• In a patient with hypotension and satisfactory CO/CI but low SVR, what intervention is appropriate?
• In terms of postoperative care, what should nurses monitor for in patients with cardiac surgery?
• Which complication is more likely to occur with an arterial graft than with a saphenous vein graft?
• Which of the following is true regarding the risk factors for surgical site infections in cardiac surgeries?
• Which patient is most at risk for developing heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) after CABG?
• What complication is most associated with chest tube clamping during transport?
• A post CABG patient with normal blood pressure but high pulmonary wedge pressure requires?
• Which condition can cause low cardiac output in post-surgical patients due to right ventricular failure?
• Which of the following can increase the risk of postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery?
• What is a common factor leading to postoperative delirium in patients after cardiac surgery?
• What is the maximum recommended drainage measurement before further evaluation is warranted in a chest tube?
• What is the purpose of administering aspirin post CABG surgery?
• In what situation is it acceptable to have constant bubbling in the water seal chamber?
• What should a nurse ensure regarding the water seal chamber in a chest tube drainage system?
• During an intervention for a pleural effusion, which assessment finding is most concerning?
• Which medications should generally be held prior to cardiac surgery to reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding?
• What condition can lead to right ventricular failure and low cardiac output in post-surgical patients?
• How should the timing of IABP balloon inflation and deflation be coordinated?
• What complication arises from hypokalemia levels dropping below 2.5 mEq/L?
• Which nursing intervention is inappropriate for a patient with a chest tube drainage system?
• What is an early sign of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)?
• A post CABG patient shows a monomorphic wide QRS tachycardia, what is the confirmed diagnosis based on the atrial electrogram?
• Which procedure carries the highest risk for development of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis?
• What type of changes may indicate a problem with the chest tube drainage system?
• What is the best description of myocardial stunning?
• When using a wet suction chest tube drainage system, how is the suction level controlled?
• In the context of diabetes and cardiac surgery, which of the following statements is accurate?
• What factor can contribute to postoperative vasodilation leading to hypotension after cardiac surgery?
• High BP following cardiac surgery is usually due to:
• In a post CABG patient with atrial fibrillation and a ventricular rate in the 40s, which pacing mode is appropriate to increase heart rate?
• After harvesting the radial artery during CABG, which precaution is necessary to prevent graft spasm?
• What is considered a risk factor for acute saphenous vein graft closure after CABG?
• In which patient is atrial fibrillation particularly dangerous?
• Which statement about postoperative antibiotic use in cardiac surgery is false?
• A 72-year-old male post-CABG presents with friction rub and chest pain. What is the likely diagnosis?
• Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) contraindications include all of the following except:
• Which arrhythmia often necessitates immediate intervention in post cardiac surgery patients?
• A patient exhibiting JVD, low urine output, and bilateral rales is likely experiencing which condition?
• Pulsus paradoxus can indicate which post-cardiac surgery issue?
• What hemodynamic change often occurs in patients with excessive bleeding post CABG?
• What is the expected impact of prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time on patients?
• Which of the following is NOT classified as a Type I neurological complication following cardiac surgery?
• Which patient condition is contraindicated for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy?
• What type of graft is often bypassed using minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB)?
• Which of the following is a major risk factor for sternal wound infection?
• In a post CABG patient displaying monomorphic wide QRS tachycardia with dissociated P waves, what is the likely diagnosis?
• Which factor is NOT considered a risk for post-operative wound infections?
• Which of the following could suggest a prolonged recovery time after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest?
• What is a concerning clinical sign following heart surgery that may indicate re-exploration is necessary?
• What is the indication for aspirin use following CABG surgery?
• What medications are recommended for the treatment of HIT?
• A post CABG patient who received a large amount of contrast is at risk for which postoperative complication?
• The management of postoperative RV dysfunction should include which of the following?
• Which factor can be implicated in postoperative hypotension related to fluid loss?
• What is the recommended preoperative therapy to reduce post-operative atrial fibrillation?
• Following an aortic valve replacement, how is atrial fibrillation best characterized in this patient population?
• What type of coagulopathy can occur during cardiopulmonary bypass?
• Which of the following is a common indication for using an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)?
• What does the presence of diminished breath sounds and increased inspiratory pressures in a patient with a chest tube suggest?
• What must be verified to ensure an accurate arterial line blood pressure reading?
• What is true regarding mechanical valves compared to biological valves?
• If a post CABG patient's hemodynamic profile shows high cardiac output but low BP, what is the most likely cause?
• Which of the following is NOT a complication associated with prosthetic heart valves?
• What approach is best when a patient is uncooperative due to pain during post-operative incentive spirometry instructions?
• After CABG surgery, a patient with decreased chest tube drainage and elevated CVP and PWP likely presents with which condition?
• What is the most common postoperative cardiac arrhythmia after cardiac surgery?
• A post CABG patient with high BP, low CO/CI, high PWP, and high SVR should receive which intervention?
• All of the following can contribute to low cardiac output after surgery EXCEPT:
• Which complication is NOT directly associated with prosthetic heart valves?
• What does a sudden drop in chest tube drainage after CABG surgery most likely indicate?
• What is an effective method for managing postoperative hypothermia?
• What is true regarding mechanical heart valves?
• What outcome does the administration of furosemide have in a patient experiencing reduced ventricular filling due to cardiac tamponade?
• In a patient undergoing IABP therapy, which pulse is the first to weaken if the balloon migrates upward?
• What type of pacing is best for a patient with aortic stenosis experiencing third-degree AV block?
• What does elevated troponin I or CK-MB levels typically indicate in the postoperative period?
• What major adverse effect can hypokalemia have after cardiac surgery?
• Coagulopathies that can occur associated with cardiopulmonary bypass include which of the following?
• Which nursing intervention is inappropriate when caring for a patient with a chest tube drainage system?
• Which management strategy is best for postoperative hypertension?
• Which finding can help confirm the diagnosis of perioperative myocardial infarction?
• In the context of chest tube management, what is the appropriate action if a patient is moving without portable suction?
• In a patient with aortic stenosis, why is sinus rhythm or AV pacing particularly important?
• What is the recommended amount of suction applied to a chest tube drainage system in most cases?
• When managing a patient with a chest tube, which approach is NOT advisable?
• What medication is often used for rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation to avoid long-term anticoagulation?
• In a patient with an aortic valve replacement and a junctional rhythm, which pacing mode is most appropriate?
• A patient post CABG has hypotension and a low PWP. Which finding is consistent with inadequate preload?
• Which surgical procedure carries the highest risk of requiring dialysis due to acute kidney injury?
• Which discharge medication is NOT typically prescribed for post-CABG patients?
• What nursing intervention is essential prior to transporting a patient with a chest tube?
• What is a significant consequence of losing atrial contraction in patients with aortic stenosis or post-aortic valve replacement during atrial fibrillation?
• Which patient is most likely to develop heparin-induced thrombocytopenia?
• Which patient is most likely to require a transfusion of RBCs after cardiac surgery?
• What is a key indicator of cardiac function in post-surgical patients?
• After cardiac surgery, what is essential for monitoring effective pacing?
• What is a potential indicator of a serious complication following a cardiac surgery patient's loss of AV conduction?
• Which of the following is NOT classified as a Type I neurological complication following cardiac surgery?
• What is a significant risk factor for sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery?
• What desired effect does IABP therapy aim to achieve regarding left ventricular afterload?
• How does pain and agitation following surgery typically affect postoperative blood pressure?
• What are elevated bilirubin and INR levels most likely indicative of in a patient with signs of right ventricular failure?
• Which patient management aspect is critical to prevent acute kidney injury postoperatively?
• What is the primary concern with long-term mechanical valves?
• What is the proper approach for ensuring chest tube care in a cardiac surgery patient?
• Which of the following is NOT a cause of postoperative hypotension due to vasodilation?
• What is the role of calcium channel blockers in the management of graft spasm?
• When treating postoperative RV dysfunction, which approach is considered contraindicated?
• Which of these is NOT a characteristic of cardiopulmonary bypass?
• Which evaluation should be prioritized after noting hypotension in a cardiac surgery patient?
• What is one of the primary goals of IABP therapy regarding coronary artery perfusion?
• Hypotension combined with a high PWP may suggest which management approach?
• What is the typical amount of suction applied to a chest tube drainage system?
• What drainage amount indicates a need for re-exploration following cardiac surgery?
• What treatment can help manage postoperative hypertension while maintaining patient comfort and extubation?
• What type of blood product is most likely to be administered for a patient bleeding due to clotting factor depletion?
• What is one of the earliest signs of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)?
• What should be evaluated first when a cardiac surgery patient presents with hypotension after transfer to the ICU?
• What is the appropriate response if a patient exhibits rapid worsening in lung sounds after chest tube placement?
• In postpericardiotomy syndrome, which medication is primarily used for pain relief?