Illinois Perfusionist Licensing Examination

Illinois Perfusionist Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which component of the heart-lung machine oxygenates blood during

cardiopulmonary bypass?

• Heat exchanger
• Reservoir
• Oxygenator
• Roller pump

Rationale: The oxygenator is responsible for exchanging oxygen and

carbon dioxide in the blood during cardiopulmonary bypass.

• What is the primary purpose of the arterial filter in a cardiopulmonary

bypass circuit?

• Cool the blood
• Remove microemboli 1 / 4

• Monitor pressure
• Add medications

Rationale: Arterial filters are used to trap microemboli to prevent

them from entering the patient’s systemic circulation.

• Which anticoagulant is most commonly used during cardiopulmonary

bypass?

• Warfarin
• Aspirin
• Heparin
• Coumadin

Rationale: Heparin is the standard anticoagulant used to prevent clot

formation during bypass.

4. Activated clotting time (ACT) is used to monitor:

• Oxygen saturation
• Hemoglobin levels
• Heparin effectiveness
• Electrolyte balance

Rationale: ACT measures the effectiveness of heparin in

anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass.

• What is the primary function of a roller pump in a perfusion circuit?
• Oxygenate blood
• Filter air bubbles
• Provide blood flow 2 / 4

• Monitor pressure

Rationale: Roller pumps provide continuous blood flow by

mechanically propelling blood through the circuit.

6. During cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermia is induced primarily to:

• Increase metabolic rate
• Reduce oxygen consumption
• Facilitate anticoagulation
• Increase blood viscosity

Rationale: Hypothermia lowers metabolic demand, reducing oxygen

consumption during bypass.

• What is the target activated clotting time (ACT) for safe

cardiopulmonary bypass?

• 50–100 seconds
• 100–150 seconds
• 150–200 seconds
• >400 seconds

Rationale: An ACT above 400 seconds is generally considered safe to

prevent clot formation during bypass.

• Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly corrected during

cardiopulmonary bypass?

• Hypokalemia
• Hypernatremia
• Hypocalcemia 3 / 4

• All of the above

Rationale: Perfusionists monitor and correct electrolyte imbalances,

including potassium, sodium, and calcium, during bypass.

• What is the primary indication for cardiopulmonary bypass?
• Heart transplant only
• Surgical repair of cardiac defects
• Respiratory failure
• Peripheral vascular disease

Rationale: Cardiopulmonary bypass is used to support circulation

during cardiac surgery.

• Which of the following is a major complication associated with

cardiopulmonary bypass?

• Stroke
• Bleeding
• Renal dysfunction
• All of the above

Rationale: Stroke, bleeding, and renal dysfunction are all potential

complications of cardiopulmonary bypass.

11. The term “prime” in perfusion refers to:

• Pumping rate
• The solution used to fill the circuit before bypass
• Oxygenator function
• Patient blood volume
• / 4