ACLS Airway Management & Ventilation

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

500-600 mL

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Waveform capnography

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

1 breath every 6 seconds (10/min)

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Tongue falling back against the pharynx

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Jaw thrust

Answer

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

ACLS Practice Test