CES ECMO Indications & Patient Selection

Question 1

Which condition is a primary indication for veno-venous (VV) ECMO?

Accepted Answer

Severe refractory respiratory failure

Answer

VV ECMO is indicated for severe refractory respiratory failure when conventional ventilatory support is insufficient.

Question 2

Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO is most appropriate for which patient presentation?

Accepted Answer

Refractory cardiogenic shock

Answer

VA ECMO provides both cardiac and pulmonary support, making it the choice for refractory cardiogenic shock.

Question 3

Which Murray Score threshold typically supports consideration of ECMO for ARDS?

Accepted Answer

≥ 3.0

Answer

A Murray Score ≥ 3.0 indicates severe lung injury and is a commonly used threshold for ECMO consideration.

Question 4

What is the RESP score used for in ECMO patient selection?

Accepted Answer

Predicting in-hospital survival for VV ECMO in respiratory failure

Answer

The RESP (Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction) score predicts in-hospital survival for adult patients receiving VV ECMO.

Question 5

Which of the following is generally considered a contraindication to ECMO initiation?

Accepted Answer

Unrecoverable end-organ failure without transplant plan

Answer

Unrecoverable end-organ failure without a bridge-to-transplant plan is a recognized contraindication because ECMO cannot offer meaningful benefit.

CES - Certified ECMO Specialist Practice Test