Practice Test Geeks(CCP) Certified Clinical Perfusionist Practice Test
← All CCP Flashcard Decks

Neonatal & Pediatric Perfusion Flashcards

7 cards from real CCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Neonatal & Pediatric Perfusion flashcards as text

  1. A 4 kg infant on CPB has a hematocrit of 18%. The most appropriate perfusionist action is:

    Answer: Transfuse packed red blood cells into the circuit

    A hematocrit below 20–24% in neonates warrants PRBC transfusion to ensure adequate oxygen-carrying capacity during hypothermic CPB.

  2. Which anatomical characteristic of the neonatal coronary circulation most influences cardioplegia delivery technique?

    Answer: High coronary-to-aorta flow ratio requiring lower delivery pressures

    Neonatal coronary vessels are small and have high flow relative to aortic pressure, so cardioplegia should be delivered at lower pressures (40–60 mmHg) to avoid barotrauma.

  3. During pediatric CPB, cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) shows a drop in rSO2 from 72% to 48%. The most appropriate immediate action is:

    Answer: Increase pump flow and check cannula position

    A significant NIRS drop suggests inadequate cerebral perfusion; increasing pump flow and verifying cannula positioning are the immediate corrective steps.

  4. What is the typical safe duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) at 18°C before significant neurological risk increases in neonates?

    Answer: 30–40 minutes

    At 18°C, approximately 30–40 minutes of DHCA is considered the threshold beyond which neurological injury risk increases substantially.

  5. In neonatal perfusion, the estimated blood volume (EBV) for a neonate is approximately:

    Answer: 80–85 mL/kg

    Neonates have an EBV of approximately 80–85 mL/kg, which is higher than older children and adults, making hemodilution calculations critically important.

  6. Which congenital heart defect most commonly requires the use of antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) during aortic arch reconstruction in neonates?

    Answer: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)

    HLHS requiring Norwood Stage I involves complex aortic arch reconstruction where ACP is used to provide cerebral blood flow during the period of systemic circulatory arrest.

  7. During pediatric CPB, which electrolyte abnormality is most likely to cause arrhythmias after cardioplegia administration?

    Answer: Hyperkalemia

    Cardioplegia solutions contain high concentrations of potassium for arrest; systemic hyperkalemia from cardioplegia washout can trigger ventricular arrhythmias on reperfusion.