Certification Practice Exam Questions

Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) Certification Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• The primary function of a perfusionist during cardiopulmonary bypass

is to

• Administer anesthesia
• Operate and manage the heart-lung machine
• Monitor surgical site
• Perform the surgical procedure

 Rationale: The perfusionist’s main role is to control and monitor the

extracorporeal circulation system during cardiac surgery. *

• What component of the heart-lung machine oxygenates the blood?
• Arterial filter
• Heat exchanger 1 / 4

• Oxygenator
• Venous reservoir

 Rationale: The oxygenator replaces the gas exchange function of the

lungs during cardiopulmonary bypass. *

• Which of the following is responsible for removing carbon dioxide

from blood in the oxygenator?

• Oxygen inflow rate
• Sweep gas flow
• Blood temperature
• Hematocrit level

 Rationale: The sweep gas flow regulates CO₂ removal by controlling

gas exchange across the oxygenator membrane. *

• The most commonly used anticoagulant during cardiopulmonary

bypass is

• Warfarin
• Heparin
• Protamine
• Aspirin

 Rationale: Heparin prevents clot formation in the extracorporeal

circuit by enhancing antithrombin III activity. *

• The reversal agent for heparin after bypass is
• Vitamin K 2 / 4

• Protamine sulfate
• Fresh frozen plasma
• Thrombin

 Rationale: Protamine sulfate binds and neutralizes heparin to restore

normal coagulation. *

• During cardiopulmonary bypass, venous drainage is achieved primarily

by

• Arterial suction
• Gravity siphon or vacuum-assisted drainage
• Pump head pressure
• Pulmonary venous return

 Rationale: Venous drainage relies on gravity or vacuum to move blood

from the patient to the reservoir. *

• The normal activated clotting time (ACT) required before initiating

bypass is at least

• 150 seconds
• 250 seconds
• 480 seconds
• 100 seconds

 Rationale: ACT >480 seconds ensures adequate anticoagulation before

extracorporeal circulation begins. * 3 / 4

• Which of the following components removes air bubbles before blood

is returned to the patient?

• Venous reservoir
• Oxygenator
• Arterial filter
• Heat exchanger

 Rationale: The arterial filter prevents emboli by trapping air and

particulate matter before arterial return. *

• What is the main function of the heat exchanger in the perfusion

circuit?

• Maintain pH
• Remove gases
• Regulate blood temperature
• Increase oxygenation

 Rationale: The heat exchanger warms or cools blood to control patient

core temperature during surgery. *

• The primary indicator of adequate perfusion during bypass is
• Pump speed
• Mean arterial pressure (MAP)
• Blood viscosity
• Venous temperature
• / 4