COPR Airway Management and Respiratory Emergencies 3

Question 1

End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) monitoring during cardiac arrest CPR shows a sudden increase from 15 mmHg to 45 mmHg without any change in CPR technique. What does this MOST likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)

Answer

A sudden rise in ETCO2 during CPR without changes in technique strongly indicates ROSC, as the resuming heart pumps CO2-laden blood to the lungs.

Question 2

A patient presents with acute pulmonary edema secondary to congestive heart failure. Which of the following treatment combinations is MOST appropriate in the prehospital setting?

Accepted Answer

High-flow oxygen, IV furosemide, and nitroglycerin with CPAP/BiPAP

Answer

CPAP reduces preload, improves oxygenation, and decreases work of breathing; nitroglycerin reduces preload/afterload; and furosemide promotes diuresis in cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Question 3

Which of the following is the MOST reliable method for ongoing confirmation of ETT placement during patient transport?

Accepted Answer

Continuous waveform capnography

Answer

Continuous waveform capnography provides real-time, breath-by-breath confirmation of tracheal placement and immediately detects tube displacement during transport.

Question 4

A 3-year-old child presents with sudden onset high-pitched stridor, drooling, and a fever of 40°C (104°F). The child is sitting upright in a tripod position and appears toxic. What condition should be MOST suspected?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottitis

Answer

High fever, toxic appearance, drooling, stridor, and tripod positioning are classic signs of epiglottitis, a life-threatening emergency requiring gentle airway management and immediate transport.

Question 5

When is a surgical airway (cricothyrotomy) indicated in the prehospital setting?

Accepted Answer

In a can't intubate, can't oxygenate (CICO) situation after failed airway attempts

Answer

Cricothyrotomy is a rescue procedure of last resort indicated in the CICO scenario when all other airway management attempts have failed and the patient cannot be oxygenated.

COPR - Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators Examination Practice Test

COPR - Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators Examination Practice Test

COPR Airway Management and Respiratory Emergencies 3