Practice Test Geeks(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test
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Cardiac Catheterization Procedures Flashcards

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

Read the first 7 Cardiac Catheterization Procedures flashcards as text

  1. When measuring cardiac output by the Fick method during catheterization, which three variables are required?

    Answer: Oxygen consumption, arterial O2 content, mixed venous O2 content

    The Fick equation: CO = VO2 / (CaO2 - CvO2), requiring oxygen consumption and the arteriovenous oxygen content difference.

  2. A patient with an atrial septal defect undergoes right heart catheterization. At which location would the technologist expect to find a step-up in oxygen saturation?

    Answer: Superior vena cava to right atrium

    An ASD causes left-to-right shunting at the atrial level, producing an oxygen saturation step-up from the SVC to the right atrium.

  3. During coronary angiography, the technologist notices the contrast does not clear from a coronary artery segment between injections. This is known as:

    Answer: Coronary ectasia

    Coronary ectasia is abnormal dilation of coronary segments causing slow contrast clearance due to turbulent, sluggish flow.

  4. After successful PCI, TIMI 3 flow is achieved. What does TIMI 3 indicate?

    Answer: Normal flow with complete and rapid distal opacification

    TIMI 3 indicates normal epicardial coronary flow with complete and timely opacification of the distal vessel.

  5. Which complication is best detected by performing an Allen test prior to radial artery access?

    Answer: Inadequate ulnar collateral circulation

    The Allen test evaluates ulnar collateral flow to ensure the hand will be adequately perfused if the radial artery is occluded.

  6. A patient with suspected constrictive pericarditis undergoes right and left heart catheterization. Which hemodynamic pattern confirms the diagnosis?

    Answer: Equalization of diastolic pressures across all four chambers

    Constrictive pericarditis causes equalization of end-diastolic pressures in all chambers due to external constraint by the rigid pericardium.

  7. During balloon aortic valvuloplasty, rapid ventricular pacing at 180-200 bpm is used. What is the primary purpose of this pacing?

    Answer: To minimize cardiac output and stabilize the balloon during inflation

    Rapid pacing reduces stroke volume and cardiac output, keeping the balloon stable and preventing it from being ejected during inflation.