CES Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CES facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the purpose of having a 'crash cart' near ECMO patients? → To initiate CPR and provide emergency drugs
2. Which complication can result from excessive anticoagulation during ECMO? → Bleeding
3. Oxygen delivery (DO2) in an ECMO patient is calculated using which of the following components? → Cardiac output multiplied by arterial oxygen content (CaO2)
4. Oxygenator thrombosis is first suspected when: → Transmembrane pressure gradient across the oxygenator acutely rises
5. Modern ECMO controllers with automated flow-servo algorithms primarily respond to changes in: → Inlet pressure (drainage negativity) to adjust pump speed and prevent suction events
6. Which hemodynamic parameter indicates the afterload the heart must overcome? → SVR
7. Why is having a backup oxygenator critical in ECMO emergencies? → To replace failed gas exchange unit
8. The ECMO specialist's primary role includes all of the following EXCEPT: → Adjusting ventilator settings independently without physician order
9. In VV-ECMO, which factor most directly determines the patient's cardiac output? → The patient's own intrinsic cardiac function and vascular tone
10. Why is daily fluid balance monitoring important in ECMO therapy? → To prevent fluid overload
11. Which indicator suggests a possible clot in the ECMO circuit? → Increased delta pressure across the oxygenator.
12. Which sign during VV ECMO decannulation indicates a potentially dangerous air embolism risk? → Patient coughing or taking deep breath during cannula removal
13. What is the primary function of the oxygenator in an ECMO circuit? → Add oxygen & remove carbon dioxide.
14. Following decannulation, how long is bed rest typically recommended after femoral venous ECMO cannula removal? → 4–6 hours
15. Which condition is associated with low hemoglobin and persistent bleeding in ECMO? → Hemorrhage
16. Recirculation fraction in VV-ECMO can best be minimized by: → Optimizing cannula positioning to maximize distance between drainage and return ports
17. What is the target ACT range for most ECMO protocols using heparin? → 180–220 seconds
18. When should a bedside ECMO nurse escalate to the ECMO specialist without waiting for the physician? → When an unresolved circuit alarm persists or circuit integrity is compromised
19. What is the best way to detect hemolysis in the ECMO circuit? → Observation of red-colored urine.
20. Which organization provides the primary credentialing framework and competency standards for ECMO specialists in the US? → ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization)
21. Why is neurological assessment important in ECMO patients? → To detect cerebral complications
22. What should be done if an air bubble is detected in the venous line? → Clamp the circuit & call for assistance.
23. What does a high pre-membrane pressure reading indicate? → Membrane oxygenator obstruction.
24. Which device is used to monitor cardiac function in ECMO patients? → Echocardiogram
25. Which echocardiographic finding supports readiness for VA ECMO weaning? → LVEF ≥ 20–25% with VTI > 10 cm
26. Retroperitoneal hematoma during ECMO is most often related to: → Over-anticoagulation combined with femoral cannulation
27. The Avalon Elite bicaval dual-lumen cannula is designed for insertion via which access site? → Right internal jugular vein
28. Which communication failure is most associated with ECMO adverse events according to quality reviews? → Inadequate handoff of circuit status and recent alarms
29. Which parameter indicates successful weaning from neonatal VV ECMO in a term infant? → PaO2 > 60 mmHg on FiO2 0.4 with sweep gas off
30. Which pediatric condition most commonly requires VA ECMO support? → Congenital heart disease post-surgery