Airway Management & Ventilation Flashcards

What is the recommended tidal volume when providing bag-mask ventilation to an adult patient in cardiac arrest?

Answer: 500-600 mL

500-600 mL is sufficient to produce visible chest rise without causing gastric distension or barotrauma.

What is the preferred method for confirming endotracheal tube (ETT) placement during ACLS?

Answer: Waveform capnography

Waveform capnography is the most reliable method for both confirming initial ETT placement and continuously monitoring it throughout ACLS.

Once an advanced airway is secured during CPR, what is the recommended ventilation rate?

Answer: 1 breath every 6 seconds (10/min)

With an advanced airway in place, deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds (10/min) asynchronously without pausing chest compressions.

What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient?

Answer: Tongue falling back against the pharynx

Loss of muscle tone in unconscious patients causes the tongue to fall back against the posterior pharynx, creating an obstruction.

Which airway maneuver is preferred for a patient with a suspected cervical spine injury who requires ventilation?

Answer: Jaw thrust

The jaw thrust opens the airway without extending the cervical spine, making it the preferred technique when spinal injury is suspected.

An ETCO2 value below 10 mmHg during ongoing CPR most likely indicates which of the following?

Answer: Poor CPR quality or inadequate cardiac output

ETCO2 below 10 mmHg reflects poor pulmonary blood flow due to inadequate cardiac output, signaling suboptimal CPR quality.

Which supraglottic airway device is an acceptable alternative to endotracheal intubation in ACLS for providers not skilled in laryngoscopy?

Answer: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)

The LMA and other supraglottic airways provide a secure airway and allow ventilation without requiring direct laryngoscopy.