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ECPR and Special Populations Flashcards

7 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 7 ECPR and Special Populations flashcards as text

  1. What term describes ECMO support initiated specifically to support a patient through a reversible cause of cardiac arrest when conventional CPR has failed?

    Answer: ECPR (Extracorporeal CPR)

    ECPR is the specific term for VA-ECMO deployed as an adjunct to conventional CPR for refractory cardiac arrest.

  2. In pregnant patients requiring ECMO, which hemodynamic position is recommended to optimize venous return?

    Answer: Left lateral tilt of 15–30 degrees

    Left lateral tilt relieves aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus, improving venous return to the ECMO circuit.

  3. Which lab finding most strongly suggests successful ECPR resuscitation and adequate end-organ perfusion?

    Answer: Falling serum lactate over 4–6 hours

    A downward trend in serum lactate is the most reliable indicator of restored oxygen delivery and end-organ recovery after ECPR.

  4. A patient with morbid obesity (BMI 55) requires ECPR. What circuit modification is most commonly necessary?

    Answer: Larger cannula sizes with higher flow-rated tubing

    Morbidly obese patients require larger cannulas and higher flow-rated tubing to achieve adequate perfusion for their increased body mass.

  5. Which ethical principle is MOST relevant when deciding NOT to initiate ECPR after 60 minutes of conventional CPR without ROSC?

    Answer: Non-maleficence

    Non-maleficence (do no harm) guides the decision to withhold futile ECPR when prolonged CPR indicates irreversible injury.

  6. In a patient with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) on ECMO, which anatomical variant most increases cannulation risk?

    Answer: Atlantoaxial instability affecting neck vessels

    Atlantoaxial instability in Trisomy 21 increases risk during neck manipulation needed for carotid or jugular cannulation.

  7. After ECPR for drug-induced cardiac arrest, weaning should be attempted when which criterion is met?

    Answer: The causative drug has been metabolized and cardiac function recovers

    Weaning is appropriate once the toxic drug is metabolized and intrinsic cardiac function demonstrates recovery on echo.