AEMCA Airway Management and Ventilation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a jaw-thrust maneuver, what is the primary advantage over the head-tilt chin-lift in trauma patients?
- It opens the airway more effectively
- It minimizes cervical spine movement (Correct answer)
- It can be performed with one hand
- It prevents aspiration better
Correct answer: It minimizes cervical spine movement
The jaw-thrust maneuver is preferred in trauma because it opens the airway while minimizing movement of the cervical spine.
Question 2: A patient is breathing at a rate of 6 breaths per minute with shallow tidal volume. How should the AEMCA manage this?
- Apply high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
- Begin positive pressure ventilation with BVM (Correct answer)
- Place the patient in recovery position
- Administer a bronchodilator
Correct answer: Begin positive pressure ventilation with BVM
A respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute with inadequate tidal volume constitutes respiratory failure requiring assisted ventilation with a BVM.
Question 3: Which of the following is the MOST reliable indicator that BVM ventilations are effective?
- Epigastric sounds are absent
- Chest rise is visible with each breath (Correct answer)
- Heart rate improves
- SpO2 immediately rises to 100%
Correct answer: Chest rise is visible with each breath
Visible chest rise with each ventilation is the most direct indicator that air is entering the lungs effectively.
Question 4: A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is contraindicated in which of the following situations?
- Unconscious patient with intact gag reflex
- Patient with suspected basal skull fracture (Correct answer)
- Patient who is combative
- Patient with nasal polyps
Correct answer: Patient with suspected basal skull fracture
A suspected basal skull fracture is a contraindication for NPA insertion because it may enter the cranial vault through the fracture.
Question 5: When using a bag-valve mask with two rescuers, what is the recommended hand position for the person holding the mask?
- One hand over the mask pressing down
- C-clamp (EC technique) with both hands (Correct answer)
- Thumb and index finger pinching the mask edges
- Palm flat over the dome of the mask
Correct answer: C-clamp (EC technique) with both hands
The EC technique uses the third, fourth, and fifth fingers to lift the jaw (E) while the thumb and index finger form a C to hold the mask seal.
Question 6: Which oxygen delivery device provides the highest concentration of oxygen for a spontaneously breathing patient?
- Simple face mask
- Nasal cannula
- Non-rebreather mask (Correct answer)
- Venturi mask
Correct answer: Non-rebreather mask
A non-rebreather mask with a reservoir bag can deliver 90–95% oxygen when properly fitted and flow rate is adequate.
Question 7: During orotracheal intubation, the AEMCA visualizes the vocal cords and inserts the ETT. What is the next immediate action?
- Secure the tube with tape
- Inflate the cuff and confirm placement (Correct answer)
- Attach the BVM and begin ventilations
- Obtain a waveform capnography reading
Correct answer: Inflate the cuff and confirm placement
After tube insertion, the cuff must be inflated immediately to create a seal, then placement is confirmed before ventilations continue.
AEMCA Airway Management and Ventilation 2
When performing a jaw-thrust maneuver, what is the primary advantage over the head-tilt chin-lift in trauma patients?