Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is one of the complications that can occur in a patient on ECMO?
• What is the appropriate PaO2 level for VV ECMO oxygenation?
• What is the primary function of the Protek Duo cannula?
• Which electrolyte might be crucial to monitor in patients on ECMO?
• What describes hemolysis in ECMO therapy?
• What is the primary risk associated with anticoagulation in ECMO?
• What is one method for compensating during oxygenator failure?
• What potential cause of hypoxia on ECMO involves the gas line?
• How can body positioning affect ECMO patient management?
• What do the values s1, s2, and s3 represent in the context of saturation?
• In ECMO, what does an increase in sweep refer to?
• What commonly indicates a decrease in ECMO circuit performance?
• Which condition is characterized by a failure of the oxygenator?
• What is the cardiac index (CI) goal when selecting a cannula for ECMO?
• In the modified Fick equation, why is the difference between s1 and s2 important?
• What is one complication that can occur from the use of ECMO that involves the oxygenator?
• Which of the following can be a complication of ECMO therapy?
• What is a sign of recirculation in ECMO?
• How is the success of ECMO therapy typically measured?
• When monitoring hemodynamics in VA ECMO, what is the primary focus?
• What are the primary indications for using VV ECMO?
• What is the role of ultrafiltration in the ECMO circuit?
• What is the normal rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) for an adult?
• To assess for recirculation, what should be observed?
• What is the approximate gas exchange surface area of a standard oxygenator?
• What is a key factor in the decision-making process for using ECMO?
• What is the formula to calculate venous oxygen saturation (SvO2)?
• In the event of circuit rupture, what is the first action to take?
• Which of the following is a primary function of ECMO?
• What is the purpose of neuromuscular blockades in managing ARDS?
• What is the primary goal of the ECMO weaning process?
• In what scenario might ECMO be discontinued?
• What is the role of the perfusionist in ECMO management?
• What is chattering in ECMO practice?
• What could cause elevated plateau pressures during ventilation?
• What are two symptoms of hemolysis?
• When traveling with ECMO, which item is essential to bring?
• Which indication suggests that recirculation is occurring in ECMO?
• What does successful weaning from ECMO demonstrate?
• What is one common reason for the initiation of ECMO?
• Which component of the ECMO circuit is critical for providing oxygenation?
• What is the normal range for cardiac power output (CPO)?
• What are the two primary goals of mechanical circulatory support?
• What aspect of ECMO poses a challenge in patient selection?
• What is the impact of ECMO on patient quality of life post-treatment?
• How does the Impella CP assist the left ventricle?
• In which clinical scenarios is VA ECMO typically indicated?
• Which of the following is a cause of limb ischemia?
• When is VA ECMO indicated?
• Which physiologic parameters should be closely monitored on ECMO?
• What does delta P represent in ECMO practice?
• What is the quickest fix for recirculation in an ECMO setting?
• What is the primary responsibility of the ECMO specialist?
• In the equation, which saturation reflects the patient's arterial saturation?
• What value indicates normal SvO2 levels?
• How is patient blood accessed for ECMO?
• What is one potential ethical issue related to ECMO use?
• What are the normal resting partial pressures of O2 in the body/alveoli?
• Which is NOT a circuit emergency that can occur on ECMO?
• What is a common type of pump failure in an ECMO circuit?
• Which formula represents oxygen delivery (DO2)?
• How can ECMO be used in patients with COVID-19?
• What is the typical size of a venous cannula used in ECMO insertion?
• What is the primary goal of using ECMO in clinical practice?
• Which blood vessels are most commonly cannulated for ECMO support?
• What clinical importance does understanding the modified Fick equation provide to ECMO specialists?
• Why is regular equipment and circuit inspection critical during ECMO?
• What does the term "bridge-to-transplant" refer to in ECMO therapy?
• What is the significance of calculating cardiac output in a patient on VV ECMO?
• What is measured in the numerator of the modified Fick equation?
• What is a recommended treatment for worsening hypercarbia on ECMO?
• What is the priming volume for standard tubing used in ECMO systems?
• What is a preventive measure for LV and aortic root thrombus?
• What is a requirement for V-AV ECMO flow?
• What phrase should be verbalized at the bedside before starting blood flow during ECMO insertion?
• What is the primary purpose of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)?
• What is the recommended intervention for treating low flows on ECMO?
• Which of the following therapies is a rescuer based on evidence for treating ARDS?
• What are common contraindications for ECMO?
• Which of the following best describes how ECMO supports gas exchange?
• What are the common settings on an ECMO pump?
• During which circumstances might ECMO be considered?
• Which of the following is NOT a cause of ARDS related to extra pulmonary factors?
• What type of anticoagulation is most commonly used during ECMO?
• Which values trend on the CDI venous saturation sensor of the ECMO pump?
• What is the phenomenon of cavitation in ECMO systems?
• Which symptom indicates that the oxygenator is failing?
• What is the primary strategy for treating low SvO2 on VA ECMO?
• What is the importance of the hand crank in ECMO management?
• In ECMO management, what is the significance of "flow"?
• What is one way to treat recirculation?
• What physiological impact does prolonged ECMO support have?
• Which symptom indicates LV distension?
• What does a decreased ECMO flow rate affect in the modified Fick equation?
• What are the water fibers in ECMO systems called?
• What is a potential complication of prolonged ECMO therapy?
• What is the ideal duration for ECMO support?
• How can clinician education and training impact ECMO outcomes?
• What is a common treatment for LV distension?
• Which ECMO systems are equipped with a hand crank?
• Which factor is NOT directly related to ECMO oxygenation management?
• Why is patient mobilization important while on ECMO?
• What is the common type and size for an arterial cannula in ECMO procedures?
• What issues can arise if the pressure drop is too high in an ECMO cannula?
• Which complications can arise from cannulation for ECMO?
• Which of the following may cause low flows on ECMO?
• What is the difference between PIK-A and PIK-V insertion kits?
• What does "pump thrombosis" refer to in ECMO management?
• What is the value of "s3" in the modified Fick equation?
• What is one potential neurological complication related to ECMO?
• What is the primary mode of gas exchange in ECMO?
• What is the normal value for the PAPI score?
• What role does heparin play in ECMO therapy?
• Which of the following is part of circuit management during an air embolism?
• What does the term "dual lumen" refer to in ECMO cannulas like the Avalon?
• In which patient situation is ECMO most commonly indicated?
• What does elevated lactate in blood indicate?
• In the management of ECMO complications, which factor must be continuously monitored?
• Which ARDS rescue therapy involves high-frequency oscillation?
• What is the hard pressure limit for the P art of an ECMO system?
• What is a common laboratory test used to monitor coagulation status during ECMO?
• What is the goal of conservative fluid management in ARDS treatment?
• Which monitoring is essential for patients on ECMO?
• What is a major factor affecting pharmacokinetics in critical illness?
• What is the priming volume of the Quadrox oxygenator in ECMO?
• Where does the Protek Duo cannula drain and return blood?
• Can ECMO be used in patients of all ages?
• What action is critical if a disconnection of the gas line occurs on ECMO?
• When addressing circuit air embolism, which is a critical action?
• What are the gas fibers in an oxygenator called?
• What are the two main types of ECMO?
• Which of the following factors does NOT control oxygen delivery?
• How many units of heparin are administered once both wires are in during ECMO insertion?
• In the equation CO = ECMO flow x (s1-s2)/(s3-s2), what does "CO" stand for?
• Which variable in the modified Fick equation denotes patient venous saturation?
• In which step of ECMO insertion do you prepare the circuit?
• Where does the Avalon cannula drain and return blood in the body?
• What does the cardiac power output (CPO) formula calculate?
• Which is a true statement about the surface area of natural lungs compared to oxygenators?
• Which of the following factors can impact renal function during ECMO?
• In Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), what is the correct order of connection?
• What is a crucial aspect of monitoring during ECMO therapy?
• What is the first step in the decannulation process on VV ECMO?
• How can hypoxia on ECMO be effectively treated?
• What is one of the primary goals of ECMO therapy?
• What is the priming volume for the CardioHelp system?
• What can occur as a result of circuit air embolism?
• What are the challenges associated with transporting patients on ECMO?
• What does the 'C' in CS-MODE stand for?
• What does a higher calculated cardiac output in the modified Fick equation imply?
• Which methods are effective for increasing CO2 removal in ECMO?
• What is the app used to determine cannula selection in ECMO?
• What can be done to optimize pain/sedation in a hyperdynamic heart while on VV ECMO?
• How can oxygenation be increased in ECMO patients?
• Aside from flow, what is another major factor in determining cannula selection?
• What does proper monitoring of blood pressure indicate for an ECMO patient?
• Which of the following is NOT part of the safety checks performed every 4 hours?
• What is the purpose of the PAPI score?
• What does a SvO2 measurement below 50% indicate?
• What action is required in the event of decannulation?
• How is metabolic support managed in ECMO patients?
• What is a common consequence of prolonged ECMO use?
• What is the acceptable pressure drop goal during cannulation?
• How do nursing interventions differ for patients on VA vs. VV ECMO?
• What is a key consideration for family communication in ECMO care?
• What is the role of family updates in ECMO settings?
• What is the primary purpose of the ECMO circuit?
• What should be done with ECMO for echocardiograms?
• What does the term "north-south syndrome" refer to?
• How does ECMO support generally affect hemodynamics?
• How can high resistance impact arterial cannulas in ECMO?
• What role does anticoagulation play in ECMO management?
• What is an important psychosocial consideration for ECMO patients?
• Elderly patients having elevated plateau pressures may suggest what condition?
• How does ECMO impact the workload of healthcare providers?
• What does the acronym ECLS stand for in diagnosing shock?
• How does the patient's body temperature affect ECMO function?
• How does ECMO affect hemodynamics?
• Which of the following is crucial for accurate CO calculations in the modified Fick equation?
• What role does the heat exchanger play in an ECMO circuit?
• Which of the following best describes the ECMO circuit?
• What is a potential impact of ECMO on lung function?
• How can the ECMO team assess for adequate perfusion in patients?
• What action should be taken with ECMO during Swan-Ganz catheter insertion?
• How do you check for cavitation in an ECMO system?
• Which of the following is a common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to pulmonary issues?
• Why is infection control a significant concern in ECMO patients?
• What is the significance of the pump in the ECMO circuit?
• What is the priming volume for the RotaFlow/Centrimag in ECMO?
• Oxygen consumption is determined by which of the following?
• What do elevated peak pressures in patients indicate?
• What are the common complications of ECMO?
• What is the typical objective when increasing FDO2 in ECMO?
• What is the primary purpose of the ECMO circuit?
• Which of the following therapies would be considered appropriate when treating low SvO2?
• Which is NOT a treatment option for north-south syndrome?
• What is a key treatment for limb ischemia?
• What is the formula for SVO2?
• What is a recommended tidal volume for managing ARDS according to evidence-based practices?
• What are the two major factors affecting flow with centrifugal pumps?
• Which therapy is unlikely to be utilized for a patient undergoing VA ECMO?
• What is the formula to calculate the content of arterial oxygen (CaO2)?
• What does the term "ECMO flow" refer to in the modified Fick equation?
• What factors are considered when determining ECMO eligibility?
• Which of the following factors is NOT associated with pharmacokinetics impact in critical care?
• What is a potential complication of ECMO related to mobilization?
• How can ECMO affect renal function?
• What condition characterizes a hyperdynamic heart on VV ECMO?
• What does ECMO weaning involve?
• Which acronym is used to recognize cardiogenic shock?
• Which condition is a cause of worsening hypercarbia on ECMO?
• What should be monitored to prevent clotting in the ECMO circuit?
• What is the primary function of V-AV ECMO in treating north-south syndrome?
• What is the first step in the insertion process for ECMO therapy?
• What is the relationship between cardiac output and oxygen delivery?
• What is the total priming volume typically required for ECMO?
• What is one of the 4 C's to perform in a decannulation emergency?
• What does an increase in hemoglobin from normal levels typically do to oxygen delivery?
• Which patient population might benefit from VV ECMO?
• What changes in blood gas parameters would indicate a need for ECMO intervention?
• What is the most common size of the Avalon cannula used in ECMO?
• Which of the following markers indicates cardiogenic shock?
• In the modified Fick equation, what does "s1" represent?
• What is the role of the membrane in ECMO?
• Which of the following is NOT a method to minimize oxygen consumption?
• In the PAPI score formula, what does 'sPAP' represent?
• What is a key monitoring parameter for ECMO patients?
• How is ventilation managed in patients on VV ECMO?