Which of the following is a primary function of ECMO?

The primary function of ECMO is to oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide. ECMO serves as a heart-lung machine that temporarily takes over the functions of these organs in patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. By doing so, it allows for the exchange of gases—adding oxygen to the blood while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide, thereby supporting the patient’s vital functions when their own organs are unable to perform adequately.

In scenarios where the lungs cannot adequately oxygenate the blood or remove carbon dioxide, ECMO provides this critical support, allowing the lungs time to heal or while awaiting other forms of intervention, such as lung transplantation. This function is essential in managing conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or severe heart failure.

While the other options involve important elements of patient management, they do not represent the core purpose of ECMO. For example, while ECMO indirectly supports overall patient stability, it does not primarily focus on nutritional support or blood pressure maintenance; those are typically managed through other medical interventions. The fact that ECMO’s central role lies in gas exchange emphasizes its importance in critical care settings for patients facing life-threatening respiratory or cardiac conditions.