CPC Respiratory Assessment and Management 2

Question 1

Which of the following is the CORRECT interpretation of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) results in asthma management using the traffic light system?

Accepted Answer

Green ≥80% predicted, Yellow 50–79%, Red <50%

Answer

The NAEPP/GINA asthma action plan traffic light system: Green zone (≥80% personal best or predicted) = good control; Yellow zone (50–79%) = caution, step up treatment; Red zone (<50%) = emergency action needed.

Question 2

A community paramedic visits a patient with CHF who has developed progressive dyspnea over 3 days. On auscultation, fine crackles are heard bilaterally at the bases. These crackles MOST likely represent:

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary edema from fluid accumulation in the alveoli

Answer

Bilateral fine crackles at the lung bases in a CHF patient with worsening dyspnea are the classic auscultatory finding of pulmonary edema — fluid transudating into the alveoli from elevated left-heart filling pressures.

Question 3

Which respiratory pattern is characterized by cycles of gradually increasing tidal volume followed by gradually decreasing tidal volume with periods of apnea?

Accepted Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a cyclical pattern of crescendo-decrescendo tidal volumes with intervening apnea periods. It is associated with severe CHF, stroke, TBI, and altitude sickness.

Question 4

Which medication class is the CORNERSTONE of maintenance pharmacotherapy for moderate-to-severe COPD?

Accepted Answer

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs)

Answer

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs, e.g., tiotropium, umeclidinium) are the cornerstone of maintenance therapy for COPD with GOLD Grade 2 or higher, providing superior bronchodilation, fewer exacerbations, and better QOL than SABAs or ICS alone.

Question 5

A community paramedic is assessing a patient for sleep apnea using the STOP-BANG screening tool. A STOP-BANG score of 5 indicates:

Accepted Answer

High risk for obstructive sleep apnea

Answer

STOP-BANG score interpretation: 0–2 = low risk, 3–4 = intermediate risk, 5–8 = high risk for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. A score of 5 indicates HIGH risk and warrants referral for polysomnography.

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

CPC Respiratory Assessment and Management 2