Respiratory Arrest Flashcards

A patient with a laryngectomy (neck breather) is in respiratory arrest. How should you provide rescue breaths?

Answer: Seal the stoma and ventilate directly into the stoma

For a total laryngectomy patient, ventilate directly into the stoma since the upper airway is disconnected.

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) during BLS?

Answer: It maintains airway patency in semi-conscious patients who may gag on an OPA

An NPA is tolerated by patients with a gag reflex and keeps the nasopharyngeal passage open for ventilation.

During two-rescuer BLS for an adult in cardiac arrest, how often should rescue breaths be given?

Answer: 2 breaths after every 30 compressions

The 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio applies to adult BLS regardless of rescuer count.

Supplemental oxygen provided during rescue breathing should ideally deliver what fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂)?

Answer: Close to 100% (high-flow oxygen)

High-flow oxygen maximizes oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues during resuscitation.

A patient in respiratory arrest from suspected opioid overdose regains breathing after naloxone. What should you do next?

Answer: Keep the patient on their side and monitor closely because the naloxone may wear off

Naloxone has a shorter duration than most opioids, so respiratory depression can recur; continued monitoring is essential.

When assessing breathing, how long should you take to determine if breathing is absent or abnormal?

Answer: No more than 10 seconds

AHA guidelines state breathing should be assessed simultaneously with pulse check in under 10 seconds to minimize delay.

Which of the following is the MOST reliable indicator that rescue breaths are effective during BLS?

Answer: Visible chest rise with each breath

Visible chest rise confirms air is entering the lungs rather than the stomach or leaking around the mask.