CPR Medical Equipment & Response Operations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a cardiac arrest, ETCO2 rises from 10 mmHg to 35 mmHg without a change in CPR technique. This indicates:
- Worsening cardiac output
- Return of spontaneous circulation (Correct answer)
- Tube displacement into the esophagus
- Hyperventilation by the provider
Correct answer: Return of spontaneous circulation
A sudden rise in ETCO2 to near-normal levels (35-45 mmHg) during resuscitation is a reliable indicator of return of spontaneous circulation.
Question 2: What is the maximum recommended depth of chest compressions for an adult patient?
- 1 inch
- 1.5 inches
- 2 inches
- 2.4 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 2.4 inches
Current AHA guidelines recommend chest compressions of at least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches to optimize cardiac output and avoid injury.
Question 3: A patient requires needle decompression for tension pneumothorax. Which landmark is used for the traditional approach?
- 5th intercostal space, midaxillary line
- 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line (Correct answer)
- 3rd intercostal space, anterior axillary line
- 4th intercostal space, parasternal line
Correct answer: 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line
The traditional landmark for needle decompression is the 2nd intercostal space at the midclavicular line, inserted superior to the 3rd rib to avoid neurovascular structures.
Question 4: When applying a tourniquet for extremity hemorrhage, how far above the wound should it be placed?
- Directly over the wound
- 1-2 inches proximal to the wound
- 2-3 inches proximal to the wound (Correct answer)
- At the axilla or groin regardless of wound location
Correct answer: 2-3 inches proximal to the wound
Tourniquets should be applied 2-3 inches proximal to the wound to effectively occlude arterial flow while allowing room for placement and tightening.
Question 5: A glucometer reads 'HI' for a diabetic patient in altered mental status. This indicates blood glucose is:
- Below 40 mg/dL
- Between 200-300 mg/dL
- Above the device's measurable range (>600 mg/dL) (Correct answer)
- Exactly 500 mg/dL
Correct answer: Above the device's measurable range (>600 mg/dL)
'HI' on a glucometer indicates the blood glucose exceeds the device's upper measurable limit, typically above 600 mg/dL, suggesting severe hyperglycemia.
Question 6: Which waveform finding on a 12-lead ECG is most consistent with a STEMI in leads II, III, and aVF?
- ST depression in those leads indicating ischemia
- ST elevation in those leads indicating inferior MI (Correct answer)
- New LBBB in those leads
- Inverted P waves in those leads
Correct answer: ST elevation in those leads indicating inferior MI
ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF reflects current of injury in the inferior wall, classically caused by right coronary artery occlusion (inferior STEMI).
Question 7: During CPAP application, at what pressure setting should prehospital CPAP typically be initiated for acute pulmonary edema?
- 1-2 cm H2O
- 5-10 cm H2O (Correct answer)
- 15-20 cm H2O
- 20-25 cm H2O
Correct answer: 5-10 cm H2O
Prehospital CPAP for acute pulmonary edema is typically initiated at 5-10 cm H2O, which provides enough positive pressure to recruit alveoli without causing barotrauma.
CPR Medical Equipment & Response Operations 3
During a cardiac arrest, ETCO2 rises from 10 mmHg to 35 mmHg without a change in CPR technique.
This indicates: