Practice Test Geeks(CCP) Certified Clinical Perfusionist Practice Test
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Oxygenator & Pump Maintenance 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 Oxygenator & Pump Maintenance flashcards as text

  1. The rated flow capacity of a centrifugal pump head is primarily determined by:

    Answer: Motor speed in RPM and impeller/cone geometry

    Centrifugal pump output depends on impeller or cone design and rotational speed, which together generate flow against afterload.

  2. Unlike roller pumps, centrifugal pumps are considered 'afterload sensitive' because:

    Answer: Flow decreases if downstream resistance increases without RPM compensation

    Centrifugal pumps deliver less flow as arterial resistance rises unless the operator increases RPM to compensate.

  3. Roller pump occlusion is considered correct when:

    Answer: A fluid column in the arterial line drops 1 cm per minute with rollers stopped

    The standard occlusion test uses a fluid column drop rate of ~1 cm/min to balance spallation risk against regurgitation.

  4. Spallation from roller pump tubing is MOST reduced by:

    Answer: Using a slightly under-occluded roller setting with biocompatible tubing

    Mild under-occlusion minimizes repetitive compression trauma that sheds tubing particulates into the circuit.

  5. During a ventricular assist procedure using a centrifugal pump, a sudden drop in flow with constant RPM and decreasing inlet pressure most likely indicates:

    Answer: Venous line obstruction or hypovolemia causing inlet cavitation

    Negative inlet pressure with flow reduction signals inadequate venous return or obstruction, causing the pump to cavitate.

  6. What is the primary concern when a roller pump segment tubing develops a crack or pinhole during bypass?

    Answer: Air entrainment into the arterial line causing gaseous microemboli

    A breach in the pressurized arterial tubing can entrain air through the defect or cause sudden circuit failure with embolic risk.

  7. A perfusionist performing routine oxygenator inspection before bypass notices the fiber bundle has a slight yellowish discoloration. This most likely represents:

    Answer: Lipid or plasma protein deposition from prior use indicating a reused device

    Yellowish discoloration on fibers typically indicates proteinaceous or lipid deposits from prior blood contact, confirming the device was previously used.