CES ECMO Team Roles & Communication

Question 1

Who has primary responsibility for ECMO circuit management during a patient transport?

Accepted Answer

The ECMO specialist (perfusionist or trained clinician) accompanying the patient

Answer

The ECMO specialist is responsible for circuit management, troubleshooting, and safety during patient transport.

Question 2

Which team member typically leads the ECMO cannulation procedure in most US ECMO centers?

Accepted Answer

Cardiothoracic or vascular surgeon

Answer

Cardiothoracic or vascular surgeons most commonly lead cannulation at US centers, though practices vary by institution.

Question 3

The ECMO specialist's primary role includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Adjusting ventilator settings independently without physician order

Answer

Ventilator management requires physician orders; ECMO specialists manage circuit function but do not independently adjust ventilator settings.

Question 4

During a code blue on an ECMO patient, the ECMO specialist's priority is:

Accepted Answer

Managing circuit flow and communicating ECMO parameters to the resuscitation team

Answer

The ECMO specialist's role in a code is to optimize circuit support, manage flow adjustments, and communicate ECMO status to the team conducting the resuscitation.

Question 5

Structured ECMO handoff communication (SBAR) should include which ECMO-specific element?

Accepted Answer

Current circuit flow, pressures, sweep gas settings, anticoagulation status, and recent alarms

Answer

ECMO-specific SBAR handoff must include flow, pressure parameters, sweep gas, anticoagulation status, and any recent alarms or interventions.

CES - Certified ECMO Specialist Practice Test

CES - Certified ECMO Specialist Practice Test

CES ECMO Team Roles & Communication