Free ECMO Circuit Management & Troubleshooting Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary function of the oxygenator in an ECMO circuit?

Accepted Answer

Add oxygen & remove carbon dioxide.

Answer

Pump blood through the cannulas.

Answer

Filter blood impurities.

Answer

Monitor venous pressure.

Question 2

Which indicator suggests a possible clot in the ECMO circuit?

Accepted Answer

Increased delta pressure across the oxygenator.

Answer

Decreased oxygen saturation.

Answer

Low pump RPMs.

Answer

Stable blood gases.

Question 3

What should be done if an air bubble is detected in the venous line?

Accepted Answer

Clamp the circuit & call for assistance.

Answer

Increase the pump speed.

Answer

Add more anticoagulant.

Answer

Continue monitoring for changes.

Question 4

What is the best way to detect hemolysis in the ECMO circuit?

Accepted Answer

Observation of red-colored urine.

Answer

Monitoring oxygen saturation.

Answer

Listening to pump noises.

Answer

Increasing sweep gas.

Question 5

What is the most likely cause of decreased ECMO flow rate?

Accepted Answer

Cannula malposition or kinking.

Answer

Excessive anticoagulation.

Answer

Circuit warming up.

Answer

Too much sweep gas.

Question 6

Why is regular monitoring of ACT or aPTT important during ECMO?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate anticoagulation levels.

Answer

To determine electrolyte balance.

Answer

To regulate oxygen flow.

Answer

To assess liver function.

Question 7

What does a high pre-membrane pressure reading indicate?

Accepted Answer

Membrane oxygenator obstruction.

Answer

Low blood volume.

Answer

High patient CO2.

Answer

Good gas exchange.

Question 8

What should be done first when troubleshooting an ECMO pump alarm?

Accepted Answer

Identify the cause of the alarm.

Answer

Silence the alarm and resume therapy.

Answer

Check patient vitals immediately.

Answer

Restart the machine.

Question 9

What is the recommended action if the ECMO circuit shows a visible clot?

Accepted Answer

Replace the affected circuit component.

Answer

Ignore unless the patient is symptomatic.

Answer

Flush the circuit.

Answer

Lower the flow rate to reduce shear stress.