Author Question: Which of the following situations could cause an excessive negative pressure on the right atrium ... (Read 45 times)

hubes95 · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

Which of the following situations could cause an excessive negative pressure on the right atrium during ECMO? 1. Hypovolemia 2. Insufficient height of the patient 3. A kink in the cannula or circuit tubing 4. Hypervolemia

a. 1 and 3 only
b. 1, 2, and 3 only
c. 3 and 4 only
d. 2, 3, and 4 only

Question 2

How can the RT monitor for clots in the oxygenator?

a. Draw blood and monitor the PT, PTT, and INR.
b. Monitor pre- and postoxygenator pres-sures.
c. Observe the tubing for any clots.
d. Use pulse oximetry and capnometry.

rachel · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Servo regulation is commonly used as a safety mechanism to prevent excessive negative pressure on the right atrium in the presence of inadequate volume. This situation can result from hypovolemia, insufficient height of the patient (poor gravity-assisted flow), or a kink in the can-nula or circuit tubing.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Monitor pre- and postoxygenator pressures frequently. Changes will alert clinicians to clots in the oxygenator. Increases in premembrane pressure only = increased resistance within the oxygen-ator. Increases in pre- AND postmembrane pressures = increased resistance AFTER the oxygen-ator.