Airway Management and Ventilation Flashcards

A patient has gurgling respirations after a seizure. What is the FIRST intervention?

Answer: Suction the airway

Gurgling indicates secretions or fluid in the upper airway; suctioning must occur immediately to clear the obstruction before other interventions.

During suction of an intubated patient, how long should each suction pass last?

Answer: No more than 10–15 seconds

Suction passes should be limited to 10–15 seconds to prevent hypoxia and atelectasis from removing oxygen along with secretions.

A patient with COPD is found with a decreased level of consciousness and a SpO2 of 72%. The AEMCA should:

Answer: Apply high-flow oxygen and be prepared to assist ventilations

Severe hypoxia (SpO2 72%) is immediately life-threatening; high-flow oxygen and ventilatory support take priority over concern about hypoxic drive.

Which clinical sign BEST indicates that a patient's airway is partially obstructed by the tongue?

Answer: Snoring respirations

Snoring respirations occur when the relaxed tongue partially occludes the posterior pharynx, a classic sign of soft-tissue upper airway obstruction.

After inserting an oropharyngeal airway (OPA), the patient begins to gag and vomit. What should the AEMCA do immediately?

Answer: Remove the OPA and suction the airway

If an OPA triggers gagging or vomiting, it must be removed immediately and the airway suctioned to prevent aspiration.

When is a nasal cannula at 6 L/min appropriate?

Answer: For a patient with mild hypoxia who is breathing adequately

Nasal cannula at 2–6 L/min is appropriate for patients with mild to moderate hypoxia who are breathing adequately on their own.

A rise in ETCO2 from 20 mmHg to 35 mmHg during CPR most likely indicates:

Answer: Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)

A sudden sustained rise in ETCO2 toward normal levels (35–45 mmHg) during CPR is a strong indicator of ROSC as cardiac output resumes.