Fast-track 2026 board readiness with our cardiac perfusion MCQ bank

Sample Question 1 Stem: During cardiopulmonary bypass, venous line chatter and a sudden drop in venous reservoir level are most consistent with which problem? A. Excessive sweep gas flow B. Inadequate venous return (venous drainage limitation) C. Oxygenator clotting D. High arterial line pressure Correct answer: B Explanation: Line chatter with a low reservoir level points to reduced venous return, often from cannula malposition, hypovolemia, or obstruction. The immediate priority is to stabilize venous drainage and reservoir volume to prevent air entrainment.

Sample Question 2 Stem: Which acid-base disorder is most consistent with pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3− 26 mEq/L? A. Respiratory acidosis B. Metabolic acidosis C. Respiratory alkalosis D. Mixed metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation Correct answer: A Explanation: The pH is low and PaCO2 is elevated, indicating a primary respiratory acidosis. The near-normal bicarbonate suggests an acute process or minimal renal compensation.

Sample Question 3 Stem: During rewarming on bypass, arterial outlet temperature is 38.0°C while venous inlet temperature from the patient is 33.5°C. What is the best adjustment? A. Increase heater-cooler temperature further to speed rewarming B. Decrease the temperature gradient across the heat exchanger C. Increase sweep gas to increase oxygenator heat transfer D. Reduce FiO2 to limit oxygen consumption Correct answer: B Explanation: A large temperature gradient increases the risk of gaseous microemboli and uneven warming. Reducing the gradient helps rewarm more safely while keeping outlet temperatures within safe limits.

Note: Practice in timed mode or in randomized blocks to match exam pacing and reduce pattern recognition.

Visual preview: Use a mock “question card” screenshot showing the stem, A–D options, a selected answer state, and an “Explanation” panel below.