CES ECMO Team Roles & Communication 2

Question 1

What is the minimum recommended ECMO specialist-to-patient ratio during active ECMO support?

Accepted Answer

1 dedicated specialist per ECMO patient

Answer

ELSO guidelines recommend a 1:1 dedicated ECMO specialist-to-patient ratio during active ECMO support to allow immediate response to circuit emergencies.

Question 2

When should a bedside ECMO nurse escalate to the ECMO specialist without waiting for the physician?

Accepted Answer

When an unresolved circuit alarm persists or circuit integrity is compromised

Answer

Unresolved circuit alarms or compromised circuit integrity require immediate ECMO specialist response, as delays can be catastrophic.

Question 3

ECMO simulation training is most valuable for team performance because it:

Accepted Answer

Allows teams to practice rare but high-stakes scenarios without patient risk

Answer

Simulation allows ECMO teams to rehearse rare emergencies (circuit rupture, air embolism, power failure) safely, building teamwork and response automaticity.

Question 4

A family meeting for a patient on VA ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock should address:

Accepted Answer

Goals of care, expected timeline, possible outcomes, and decision points if recovery does not occur

Answer

Family meetings must address prognosis, goals of care, realistic outcomes, and decision frameworks including withdrawal if the patient does not improve.

Question 5

When an ECMO patient is transferred to another facility, which document must accompany the patient?

Accepted Answer

Complete ECMO circuit log, current parameter settings, and transport medication/anticoagulation plan

Answer

A complete ECMO circuit log, current settings documentation, and a transport anticoagulation/medication plan are essential for safe inter-facility ECMO transport.

CES - Certified ECMO Specialist Practice Test

CES - Certified ECMO Specialist Practice Test

CES ECMO Team Roles & Communication 2