ECMO Pharmacology and Drug Management Flashcards
6 cards from real ECMO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ECMO Pharmacology and Drug Management flashcards as text
Nitric oxide (NO) can be administered to ECMO patients by delivering it through which component of the circuit?
Answer: The sweep gas inlet of the oxygenator
Inhaled nitric oxide can be blended into the sweep gas of the ECMO oxygenator to achieve selective pulmonary vasodilation.
A major concern with high-dose propofol infusions in ECMO patients is development of:
Answer: Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS)
Propofol infusion syndrome, characterized by metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and cardiac failure, is a rare but life-threatening complication at high doses.
Succinylcholine use in critically ill ECMO patients carries a risk of life-threatening:
Answer: Hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest
Critically ill patients often have upregulated acetylcholine receptors, and succinylcholine depolarization releases enough potassium to cause cardiac arrest.
Which neuromuscular blocking agent is preferred for paralysis in VV-ECMO patients with severe ARDS?
Answer: Cisatracurium
Cisatracurium is preferred in severe ARDS on ECMO because it undergoes Hofmann elimination independent of organ function and has fewer cardiovascular side effects.
What is the standard ICU blood glucose target for ECMO patients receiving insulin infusion therapy?
Answer: 140–180 mg/dL
Current critical care guidelines recommend targeting blood glucose of 140–180 mg/dL to balance glycemic control with hypoglycemia risk.
Loop diuretics such as furosemide are used in ECMO patients primarily to:
Answer: Reduce fluid overload and improve oxygenation
Fluid overload is common in ECMO patients due to capillary leak and transfusion requirements; furosemide promotes diuresis to reduce lung edema.