AEMCA Airway Management and Ventilation 4

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Suction the airway

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

No more than 10–15 seconds

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Apply high-flow oxygen and be prepared to assist ventilations

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Snoring respirations

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Remove the OPA and suction the airway

Answer

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

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test