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Free RCIS Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style RCIS Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free RCIS practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

While setting up the hemodynamic monitoring system before a left heart catheterization, the technologist must position the pressure transducer so that recorded pressures are accurate. To what anatomic landmark should the transducer be LEVELED?

  1. The phlebostatic axis (4th intercostal space, mid-axillary line)
  2. The sternal angle, also called the angle of Louis
  3. The midclavicular line at the 2nd intercostal space
  4. The xiphoid process at the lower midline of the sternum
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - The phlebostatic axis (4th intercostal space, mid-axillary line)

Question 2

During a right heart catheterization, the pulmonary capillary wedge (PCWP) tracing shows a tall, prominent v wave. This finding is MOST consistent with:

  1. Tricuspid regurgitation
  2. Aortic stenosis
  3. Mitral regurgitation
  4. Pulmonary hypertension
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Mitral regurgitation

Question 3

Coronary angiography demonstrates that the posterior descending artery (PDA) arises from the right coronary artery. This finding indicates the patient has:

  1. Left coronary dominance
  2. A codominant circulation
  3. An anomalous left circumflex artery
  4. Right coronary dominance
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Right coronary dominance

Question 4

A patient's oxygen consumption is 250 mL/min and the arteriovenous oxygen difference is measured at 5 mL O2 per 100 mL of blood. Using the Fick principle, what is the cardiac output?

  1. 2 L/min
  2. 5 L/min
  3. 10 L/min
  4. 50 L/min
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - 5 L/min

Question 5

A 12-lead ECG performed during chest pain shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Occlusion of which coronary artery is MOST likely responsible?

  1. Left anterior descending artery
  2. Left main coronary artery
  3. Right coronary artery
  4. First diagonal branch
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Correct answer: C - Right coronary artery

Question 6

A patient is undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with unfractionated heparin and NO glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. The activated clotting time (ACT) should be maintained in approximately which range?

  1. 150 to 180 seconds
  2. 200 to 250 seconds
  3. 250 to 350 seconds
  4. Greater than 400 seconds
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Correct answer: C - 250 to 350 seconds

Question 7

A patient with a documented history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) requires procedural anticoagulation for percutaneous coronary intervention. Which agent is the MOST appropriate choice?

  1. Bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor
  2. Unfractionated heparin with close platelet monitoring
  3. Enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin
  4. Warfarin bridged with a heparin infusion
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor

Question 8

An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is set to trigger from the arterial pressure waveform. For proper counterpulsation, balloon INFLATION should be timed to occur at the:

  1. Peak of the systolic pressure upstroke
  2. Dicrotic notch of the arterial waveform
  3. R wave of the ECG
  4. End of the diastolic pressure decline
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Dicrotic notch of the arterial waveform

Question 9

Midway through a coronary intervention, a patient suddenly becomes hypotensive with muffled heart sounds and distended neck veins. Fluoroscopy shows an enlarging, sluggishly pulsating cardiac silhouette. What is the MOST appropriate immediate intervention?

  1. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
  2. Increase the heparin infusion
  3. Perform pericardiocentesis
  4. Insert an intra-aortic balloon pump
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Perform pericardiocentesis

Question 10

Thirty minutes after a femoral arterial sheath is removed, a patient reports new flank and back pain and becomes hypotensive and tachycardic. The access site shows no visible swelling or expanding hematoma. Which complication should be suspected FIRST?

  1. Femoral pseudoaneurysm
  2. Vasovagal reaction
  3. Superficial groin hematoma
  4. Retroperitoneal hemorrhage
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Retroperitoneal hemorrhage

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