AEMCA Airway Management and Ventilation 3

Question 1

Waveform capnography shows a sudden drop in ETCO2 to near zero during CPR. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Esophageal intubation

Answer

A sudden drop in ETCO2 to near zero during CPR strongly suggests esophageal intubation, as the esophagus does not produce CO2.

Question 2

A patient with severe anaphylaxis develops stridor and a hoarse voice. What airway complication is most likely developing?

Accepted Answer

Upper airway edema and impending obstruction

Answer

Stridor and hoarseness in anaphylaxis indicate angioedema of the upper airway with progressive obstruction requiring immediate intervention.

Question 3

What is the appropriate tidal volume to deliver when ventilating an adult with a BVM?

Accepted Answer

500–600 mL

Answer

Current guidelines recommend 500–600 mL tidal volume (visible chest rise) to avoid gastric inflation and barotrauma.

Question 4

Which landmark is used to confirm proper endotracheal tube depth in an average adult male?

Accepted Answer

22 cm mark at the lip for males

Answer

For average adult males, the ETT is positioned at approximately 22–23 cm at the lip to place the tube tip mid-trachea.

Question 5

A supraglottic airway device (e.g., King LT or LMA) is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An alternative airway that sits above or around the glottis

Answer

Supraglottic airways are inserted without visualizing the glottis and provide ventilation but do not fully protect against aspiration like an ETT.

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test