Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinical MCQs for NCCT Exam Prep

Which of the following instruments is commonly used to open the sternum during median sternotomy?

Finochietto retractor

The most common vein used for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the:

Saphenous vein

Which anatomical structure must be carefully preserved during internal mammary artery dissection?

Phrenic nerve runs along the pericardium and must be protected

The cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine assumes the functions of the:

CPB machine takes over heart and lung function

Before cannulation for CPB, the surgical technologist should ensure:

Heparin is necessary to prevent clotting during cannulation

Which solution is commonly used for cardioplegia to induce cardiac arrest during surgery?

Cardioplegia solution typically contains high potassium to stop the heart

What instrument is specifically designed for rib spreading?

Finochietto

A pericardial window is typically performed to treat

A pericardial window relieves cardiac tamponade

What type of sutures are typically used for anastomosis in CABG?

Non-absorbable monofilament sutures (e.g., polypropylene) are preferred

In thoracotomy procedures, which positions is most commonly used?

Lateral decubtius is standard for thoracotomy

Which structure is removed during pneumonectomy?

Entire lung

Which of the following is a potential complication of median sternotomy?

Sternal wound dehiscence

What is the function of the heart-lung machine’s oxygenator?

Oxygenators exchange CO2 for O2 in the blood

Which diagnostic imaging is most frequently used intraoperatively during valve replacement?

TEE provides real time- valve and heart chamber images.

When preparing for an open heart procedure, what is the purpose of a cell saver?

Cell savers reduce need for donor blood

What is the name of the instrument used to divide the sternum?

Oscillating saws are used for precise sternal division

What is the term for fluid accumulation around the heart?

Pericardial effusion is fluid around the heart

Which of the following is true regarding thoracoscopy (VATS)?

VATS is minimally invasive thoracic surgery

Which instrument is used to occlude vessels during CABG?

Satinsky clamps allow partial occlusion of vessels

The primary purpose of using a double-lumen endotracheal tube in thoracic surgery is to:

Double-lumen tubes permit ventilation of one lung

What is the term for using a portion of the pericardium or Dacron to reconstruct a vessel or valve?

Patch angioplasty uses grafts to reconstructs vessels or valves

Which drug is used to reverse heparin after CPB?

Protamine sulfate reverses heparin

What is the role of the perfusionist in cardiac surgery?

Perfusionists manage the CPB machine

A chest tube is connected to a water seal drainage system to:

Water seal allows air/fluid escape while preventing backflow

Which valve is most commonly replaced due to rheumatic heart disease?

Rheumatic disease commonly affects the mitral valve