ECMO Specialist Exam Questions with Correct Answers 100% Verified By Experts|2025/2026
Latest Update
How to recognize cardiogenic shock? (acronym) CS-MODE
Cardiac Rhythm
SBP <90
Markers- cardiac
Output- oliguria
Drips - Inotropes/ pressers
Exam - cool, clammy, resp distress
How to diagnose shock ( acronym) (ECLS )
ECG
Consult- surgeon
Labs- lactates, abgs etc.
Swan catheter
what is PAPI score? Formula and normal value differentiates between the LV/RV disfunction,
if low = RV dysfunction
PAPi= (sPAP-dPAP)/RA
it is the pa sys - the pa dyastolic / right atrial pressure- can get these numbers from swan
normal is >1.0
Formula for cardiac power output (CPO) and normal value CPO= MAP x CO/451
normal = 0.7 to 1 W
,what are the three key measurements for cardiogenic shock? PAPI
CPO
Lactate
what is cardiac power output? amount of energy available to maintain the perfusion of the
vital organs in shock
what does lactate in the blood mean and normal value? anerobic metabolism is occurring
normal is 0.9 to 1.7
what are the two goals of mechanical circulatory support? restore adequate end organ
perfusion
ventricular unloading
how does the impella CP work as an LV vent? drains at LV and returns at the aortic arch
provides 3-3.5 LPM of flow
what are the 5 factors affecting pharmacokinetics with critical illness? 1. augmented cardiac
output
2. leaky capillaries
3. volume resusitation
4. end-organ perfusion
5. altered protein binding
what is pharmacodynamics? the bodys biological response to the drug
, what are the factors 5 affecting pharmacokinetics with ECMO? 1. augmented cardiac output
2. leaky capillaries
3. end-organ perfusion
4. hemodilution
5. drug sequestration
which drugs should you avoid with ecmo? benzos!!! lipophillic and sequester in the tubing
why do we need anticoagulation on ecmo? blood contacts the ecmo circuit causing a sirs
response and leads to:
inflammation/vasodilation
coagulation
altered fibrinolysis
how does heparin work? Activates antithrombin III -> inactivates thrombin, factor IXa, &
factor Xa.
what are the 3 definitions of ards and how are they defined? 1. Mild- pf ratio is 200-300
mmhg w/peep or CPAP > 5
2. moderate - pf ratio is 100 - 200 mmhg w/ peep or CPAP > 5
3. severe- pf ratio is <100 mmhg with peep > 5
what are the 3 consequences of lung injury with ards? 1. impaired gas exchange
2. decreased compliance
3. increased pulmonary arterial pressure
Latest Update
How to recognize cardiogenic shock? (acronym) CS-MODE
Cardiac Rhythm
SBP <90
Markers- cardiac
Output- oliguria
Drips - Inotropes/ pressers
Exam - cool, clammy, resp distress
How to diagnose shock ( acronym) (ECLS )
ECG
Consult- surgeon
Labs- lactates, abgs etc.
Swan catheter
what is PAPI score? Formula and normal value differentiates between the LV/RV disfunction,
if low = RV dysfunction
PAPi= (sPAP-dPAP)/RA
it is the pa sys - the pa dyastolic / right atrial pressure- can get these numbers from swan
normal is >1.0
Formula for cardiac power output (CPO) and normal value CPO= MAP x CO/451
normal = 0.7 to 1 W
,what are the three key measurements for cardiogenic shock? PAPI
CPO
Lactate
what is cardiac power output? amount of energy available to maintain the perfusion of the
vital organs in shock
what does lactate in the blood mean and normal value? anerobic metabolism is occurring
normal is 0.9 to 1.7
what are the two goals of mechanical circulatory support? restore adequate end organ
perfusion
ventricular unloading
how does the impella CP work as an LV vent? drains at LV and returns at the aortic arch
provides 3-3.5 LPM of flow
what are the 5 factors affecting pharmacokinetics with critical illness? 1. augmented cardiac
output
2. leaky capillaries
3. volume resusitation
4. end-organ perfusion
5. altered protein binding
what is pharmacodynamics? the bodys biological response to the drug
, what are the factors 5 affecting pharmacokinetics with ECMO? 1. augmented cardiac output
2. leaky capillaries
3. end-organ perfusion
4. hemodilution
5. drug sequestration
which drugs should you avoid with ecmo? benzos!!! lipophillic and sequester in the tubing
why do we need anticoagulation on ecmo? blood contacts the ecmo circuit causing a sirs
response and leads to:
inflammation/vasodilation
coagulation
altered fibrinolysis
how does heparin work? Activates antithrombin III -> inactivates thrombin, factor IXa, &
factor Xa.
what are the 3 definitions of ards and how are they defined? 1. Mild- pf ratio is 200-300
mmhg w/peep or CPAP > 5
2. moderate - pf ratio is 100 - 200 mmhg w/ peep or CPAP > 5
3. severe- pf ratio is <100 mmhg with peep > 5
what are the 3 consequences of lung injury with ards? 1. impaired gas exchange
2. decreased compliance
3. increased pulmonary arterial pressure
