NBCRNA QOTW Practice Exam

The application of acrylic bone cement during hip replacement surgery is associated with hypotension due to several factors related to the cement's exothermic polymerization process and potential systemic effects. When the bone cement is mixed and applied, it generates heat, which can lead to a transient decrease in blood pressure as a result of vasodilation and a possible release of inflammatory mediators. Additionally, the cement can cause intravascular volume changes and affect hemodynamics, contributing to hypotension during and after the procedure.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms is critical; the sudden release of cement and the accompanying physiological responses can invoke significant changes in the cardiovascular system. In contrast to the other symptoms listed, hypotension is a well-documented consequence of cement application specifically linked to surgical factors and systemic responses, making it the most relevant answer in this context.