Ventricular Assist Device (VAD-C) Exam
1. Which of the following conditions is an indication for ventricular assist device
(VAD) implantation?
o A) Severe coronary artery disease (CAD) with stable angina
o B) Advanced heart failure with a poor response to medical therapy
o C) Mild mitral regurgitation
o D) Stable atrial fibrillation
Answer: B) Advanced heart failure with a poor response to medical therapy
Explanation: VADs are indicated for patients with advanced heart failure who do not
respond to conventional medical therapy and are at risk of worsening heart function or
death.
2. Which of the following patients would be a suitable candidate for a VAD?
o A) A patient with Class I heart failure symptoms
o B) A patient with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 60%
o C) A patient with end-stage heart failure who is not a candidate for heart
transplantation
o D) A patient with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
Answer: C) A patient with end-stage heart failure who is not a candidate for
heart transplantation
Explanation: VADs are generally considered for patients with end-stage heart
failure, particularly if they are not candidates for heart transplantation.
3. In which scenario is a VAD typically used as a bridge to transplantation?
o A) For patients with mild symptomatic heart failure
o B) For patients awaiting heart transplantation
o C) For patients with controlled atrial fibrillation
o D) For patients with early-stage cardiomyopathy
Answer: B) For patients awaiting heart transplantation
Explanation: VADs are commonly used as a bridge to transplantation for patients
who are awaiting a heart transplant and need temporary support for their failing heart.
4. Which of the following is a key indicator for VAD candidacy in patients with
cardiomyopathy?
o A) Presence of coronary artery disease (CAD)
o B) Ongoing improvement with medication
o C) Severe left ventricular dysfunction
o D) Stable renal function
Answer: C) Severe left ventricular dysfunction
Explanation: Severe left ventricular dysfunction is a key indicator for VAD
candidacy, particularly when it leads to end-stage heart failure.
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, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD-C) Exam
5. What is a common indication for using a VAD in patients with acute myocardial
infarction (MI)?
o A) Stable angina pectoris
o B) Post-MI cardiogenic shock
o C) Uncomplicated MI
o D) Chronic stable angina
Answer: B) Post-MI cardiogenic shock
Explanation: VADs are used in cases of cardiogenic shock following an acute
myocardial infarction, especially when the heart is unable to pump effectively.
Absolute Contraindications for VAD Candidacy
6. Which of the following is considered an absolute contraindication for VAD
implantation?
o A) Active infection that cannot be controlled
o B) Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
o C) Stable ischemic heart disease
o D) Age over 70 years
Answer: A) Active infection that cannot be controlled
Explanation: Active infections that cannot be controlled are an absolute
contraindication for VAD implantation due to the increased risk of complications and
poor outcomes.
7. Which condition is an absolute contraindication for VAD candidacy?
o A) Recent stroke with full recovery
o B) Severe renal failure not amenable to dialysis
o C) Controlled diabetes mellitus
o D) Mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Answer: B) Severe renal failure not amenable to dialysis
Explanation: Severe renal failure that is not manageable with dialysis is an absolute
contraindication due to the increased risk of poor outcomes and complications.
8. A patient with which of the following conditions is not a candidate for VAD
implantation?
o A) Uncontrolled malignancy
o B) Mild hypertension
o C) Previous myocardial infarction with complete recovery
o D) Stable angina
Answer: A) Uncontrolled malignancy
2
, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD-C) Exam
Explanation: Uncontrolled malignancy is an absolute contraindication for VAD
implantation because it significantly impacts the patient's overall prognosis and
treatment outcomes.
9. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for VAD implantation?
o A) Age greater than 75 years
o B) Poor social support
o C) Severe psychiatric illness
o D) Controlled diabetes
Answer: C) Severe psychiatric illness
Explanation: Severe psychiatric illness that cannot be managed or stabilized is an
absolute contraindication for VAD implantation due to the impact on patient
compliance and overall care.
10. Which of the following represents an absolute contraindication for a VAD?
o A) History of drug abuse
o B) Controlled hypertension
o C) Advanced liver disease
o D) Previous surgery with full recovery
Answer: C) Advanced liver disease
Explanation: Advanced liver disease is an absolute contraindication due to the high
risk of liver failure and other complications during and after VAD implantation.
Relative Contraindications for VAD Candidacy
11. Which of the following is a relative contraindication for VAD implantation?
o A) Severe peripheral vascular disease
o B) Controlled atrial fibrillation
o C) Early-stage diabetes mellitus
o D) Recent surgical procedure with full recovery
Answer: A) Severe peripheral vascular disease
Explanation: Severe peripheral vascular disease is a relative contraindication because
it can complicate the implantation and function of a VAD, though it may not be an
absolute contraindication.
12. In which case might VAD candidacy be considered despite a relative
contraindication?
o A) Severe obesity with poor weight control
o B) Mild chronic renal insufficiency
o C) Recent stroke with minor deficits
o D) Severe active infection
Answer: B) Mild chronic renal insufficiency
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, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD-C) Exam
Explanation: Mild chronic renal insufficiency is a relative contraindication, but if
managed appropriately, candidates may still be considered for VAD implantation.
13. A patient with which of the following conditions might still be considered for
VAD implantation despite relative contraindications?
o A) Advanced metastatic cancer
o B) Severe non-compliance issues
o C) Moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
o D) Well-controlled depression
Answer: D) Well-controlled depression
Explanation: Well-controlled depression is a relative contraindication but may not
disqualify a patient from VAD candidacy if managed effectively and if other factors
are favorable.
14. In patients with which condition might VAD candidacy still be evaluated despite
being a relative contraindication?
o A) Recent major surgery
o B) Mild congestive heart failure
o C) Stable chronic renal insufficiency
o D) Severe systemic infection
Answer: C) Stable chronic renal insufficiency
Explanation: Stable chronic renal insufficiency is a relative contraindication, but
patients may still be evaluated for VAD candidacy if managed properly.
Additional Questions
16. Which factor is crucial for assessing VAD candidacy in patients with end-stage
heart failure?
o A) Patient’s insurance coverage
o B) Presence of other medical conditions
o C) Psychological and social support
o D) Patient’s age
Answer: C) Psychological and social support
Explanation: Psychological and social support is critical for successful VAD
management and patient outcomes, influencing candidacy assessments.
17. Which diagnostic test is commonly used to evaluate left ventricular function in
VAD candidates?
o A) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
o B) Echocardiogram
o C) Chest X-ray
o D) CT scan
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1. Which of the following conditions is an indication for ventricular assist device
(VAD) implantation?
o A) Severe coronary artery disease (CAD) with stable angina
o B) Advanced heart failure with a poor response to medical therapy
o C) Mild mitral regurgitation
o D) Stable atrial fibrillation
Answer: B) Advanced heart failure with a poor response to medical therapy
Explanation: VADs are indicated for patients with advanced heart failure who do not
respond to conventional medical therapy and are at risk of worsening heart function or
death.
2. Which of the following patients would be a suitable candidate for a VAD?
o A) A patient with Class I heart failure symptoms
o B) A patient with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 60%
o C) A patient with end-stage heart failure who is not a candidate for heart
transplantation
o D) A patient with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
Answer: C) A patient with end-stage heart failure who is not a candidate for
heart transplantation
Explanation: VADs are generally considered for patients with end-stage heart
failure, particularly if they are not candidates for heart transplantation.
3. In which scenario is a VAD typically used as a bridge to transplantation?
o A) For patients with mild symptomatic heart failure
o B) For patients awaiting heart transplantation
o C) For patients with controlled atrial fibrillation
o D) For patients with early-stage cardiomyopathy
Answer: B) For patients awaiting heart transplantation
Explanation: VADs are commonly used as a bridge to transplantation for patients
who are awaiting a heart transplant and need temporary support for their failing heart.
4. Which of the following is a key indicator for VAD candidacy in patients with
cardiomyopathy?
o A) Presence of coronary artery disease (CAD)
o B) Ongoing improvement with medication
o C) Severe left ventricular dysfunction
o D) Stable renal function
Answer: C) Severe left ventricular dysfunction
Explanation: Severe left ventricular dysfunction is a key indicator for VAD
candidacy, particularly when it leads to end-stage heart failure.
1
, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD-C) Exam
5. What is a common indication for using a VAD in patients with acute myocardial
infarction (MI)?
o A) Stable angina pectoris
o B) Post-MI cardiogenic shock
o C) Uncomplicated MI
o D) Chronic stable angina
Answer: B) Post-MI cardiogenic shock
Explanation: VADs are used in cases of cardiogenic shock following an acute
myocardial infarction, especially when the heart is unable to pump effectively.
Absolute Contraindications for VAD Candidacy
6. Which of the following is considered an absolute contraindication for VAD
implantation?
o A) Active infection that cannot be controlled
o B) Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
o C) Stable ischemic heart disease
o D) Age over 70 years
Answer: A) Active infection that cannot be controlled
Explanation: Active infections that cannot be controlled are an absolute
contraindication for VAD implantation due to the increased risk of complications and
poor outcomes.
7. Which condition is an absolute contraindication for VAD candidacy?
o A) Recent stroke with full recovery
o B) Severe renal failure not amenable to dialysis
o C) Controlled diabetes mellitus
o D) Mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Answer: B) Severe renal failure not amenable to dialysis
Explanation: Severe renal failure that is not manageable with dialysis is an absolute
contraindication due to the increased risk of poor outcomes and complications.
8. A patient with which of the following conditions is not a candidate for VAD
implantation?
o A) Uncontrolled malignancy
o B) Mild hypertension
o C) Previous myocardial infarction with complete recovery
o D) Stable angina
Answer: A) Uncontrolled malignancy
2
, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD-C) Exam
Explanation: Uncontrolled malignancy is an absolute contraindication for VAD
implantation because it significantly impacts the patient's overall prognosis and
treatment outcomes.
9. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for VAD implantation?
o A) Age greater than 75 years
o B) Poor social support
o C) Severe psychiatric illness
o D) Controlled diabetes
Answer: C) Severe psychiatric illness
Explanation: Severe psychiatric illness that cannot be managed or stabilized is an
absolute contraindication for VAD implantation due to the impact on patient
compliance and overall care.
10. Which of the following represents an absolute contraindication for a VAD?
o A) History of drug abuse
o B) Controlled hypertension
o C) Advanced liver disease
o D) Previous surgery with full recovery
Answer: C) Advanced liver disease
Explanation: Advanced liver disease is an absolute contraindication due to the high
risk of liver failure and other complications during and after VAD implantation.
Relative Contraindications for VAD Candidacy
11. Which of the following is a relative contraindication for VAD implantation?
o A) Severe peripheral vascular disease
o B) Controlled atrial fibrillation
o C) Early-stage diabetes mellitus
o D) Recent surgical procedure with full recovery
Answer: A) Severe peripheral vascular disease
Explanation: Severe peripheral vascular disease is a relative contraindication because
it can complicate the implantation and function of a VAD, though it may not be an
absolute contraindication.
12. In which case might VAD candidacy be considered despite a relative
contraindication?
o A) Severe obesity with poor weight control
o B) Mild chronic renal insufficiency
o C) Recent stroke with minor deficits
o D) Severe active infection
Answer: B) Mild chronic renal insufficiency
3
, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD-C) Exam
Explanation: Mild chronic renal insufficiency is a relative contraindication, but if
managed appropriately, candidates may still be considered for VAD implantation.
13. A patient with which of the following conditions might still be considered for
VAD implantation despite relative contraindications?
o A) Advanced metastatic cancer
o B) Severe non-compliance issues
o C) Moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
o D) Well-controlled depression
Answer: D) Well-controlled depression
Explanation: Well-controlled depression is a relative contraindication but may not
disqualify a patient from VAD candidacy if managed effectively and if other factors
are favorable.
14. In patients with which condition might VAD candidacy still be evaluated despite
being a relative contraindication?
o A) Recent major surgery
o B) Mild congestive heart failure
o C) Stable chronic renal insufficiency
o D) Severe systemic infection
Answer: C) Stable chronic renal insufficiency
Explanation: Stable chronic renal insufficiency is a relative contraindication, but
patients may still be evaluated for VAD candidacy if managed properly.
Additional Questions
16. Which factor is crucial for assessing VAD candidacy in patients with end-stage
heart failure?
o A) Patient’s insurance coverage
o B) Presence of other medical conditions
o C) Psychological and social support
o D) Patient’s age
Answer: C) Psychological and social support
Explanation: Psychological and social support is critical for successful VAD
management and patient outcomes, influencing candidacy assessments.
17. Which diagnostic test is commonly used to evaluate left ventricular function in
VAD candidates?
o A) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
o B) Echocardiogram
o C) Chest X-ray
o D) CT scan
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