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Occupational Therapy Practitioner's Role In The Cardiac ICU

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1.  Which of the following side effects is most commonly associated with the use of vasoactive drugs in patients with heart failure in the cardiac ICU?
  1. Increased intracranial pressure
  2. Ventricular arrhythmia
  3. Acute renal failure
  4. Pulmonary fibrosis
2.  Which of the following is an appropriate occupational therapy response to a low flow alarm in a patient with an LVAD?
  1. Have the patient stand and begin light activity
  2. Begin chest compressions and call a code
  3. Notify the RN and assist the patient to a supine position with legs elevated
  4. Disconnect the LVAD controller and reconnect after 30 seconds
3.  Why is the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale used for patients following heart transplant?
  1. Because it provides real-time heart rate data
  2. Because the transplanted heart has a delayed response to exercise
  3. Because it helps determine electrolyte levels during exertion
  4. Because blood pressure cannot be monitored during activity
4.  When initiating verticalization therapy using a tilt table with a patient on VV ECMO, what is the most important precaution the occupational therapy practitioner should take?
  1. Monitor ECMO flows and adjust the settings on the ECMO circuit as appropriate
  2. Use the lowest possible tilt angle to reduce shear
  3. Allow for slow position changes and frequent rest periods, continuously reassessing the patient’s ability to resume activity​
  4. Administer a mild sedative prior to activity
5.  Which of the following practices should occupational therapy practitioners consistently follow when treating patients in the cardiac ICU?
  1. Avoid use of adaptive equipment during mobilization
  2. Use Doppler only to assess arterial blood gases
  3. Discuss and confirm activity/mobility plans with the interdisciplinary ICU team
  4. Initiate early mobility regardless of cardiac distress signs