ECMO ECMO Pharmacology and Drug Management 2

Question 1

Nitric oxide (NO) can be administered to ECMO patients by delivering it through which component of the circuit?

Accepted Answer

The sweep gas inlet of the oxygenator

Answer

Inhaled nitric oxide can be blended into the sweep gas of the ECMO oxygenator to achieve selective pulmonary vasodilation.

Question 2

A major concern with high-dose propofol infusions in ECMO patients is development of:

Accepted Answer

Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS)

Answer

Propofol infusion syndrome, characterized by metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and cardiac failure, is a rare but life-threatening complication at high doses.

Question 3

Succinylcholine use in critically ill ECMO patients carries a risk of life-threatening:

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest

Answer

Critically ill patients often have upregulated acetylcholine receptors, and succinylcholine depolarization releases enough potassium to cause cardiac arrest.

Question 4

Which neuromuscular blocking agent is preferred for paralysis in VV-ECMO patients with severe ARDS?

Accepted Answer

Cisatracurium

Answer

Cisatracurium is preferred in severe ARDS on ECMO because it undergoes Hofmann elimination independent of organ function and has fewer cardiovascular side effects.

Question 5

What is the standard ICU blood glucose target for ECMO patients receiving insulin infusion therapy?

Accepted Answer

140–180 mg/dL

Answer

Current critical care guidelines recommend targeting blood glucose of 140–180 mg/dL to balance glycemic control with hypoglycemia risk.

ECMO - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Practice Test

ECMO - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Practice Test

ECMO ECMO Pharmacology and Drug Management 2