CSC Airway Management & Emergency Preparedness 2

Question 1

A patient receiving moderate sedation develops stridor and paradoxical chest movement. The FIRST intervention should be:

Accepted Answer

Perform a jaw thrust maneuver

Answer

Jaw thrust opens the airway by displacing the tongue anteriorly and is the first-line maneuver for airway obstruction in a sedated patient.

Question 2

Which capnography waveform pattern indicates a completely obstructed airway during conscious sedation?

Accepted Answer

Flat (absent) ETCO2 waveform

Answer

A flat, absent ETCO2 waveform indicates no CO2 is being exhaled, consistent with complete airway obstruction or apnea.

Question 3

During conscious sedation, a patient's SpO2 drops from 99% to 88% over 2 minutes. After repositioning the airway, what is the next priority action?

Accepted Answer

Apply supplemental oxygen via face mask

Answer

Supplemental oxygen corrects hypoxemia rapidly while the cause is assessed; reversal agents are reserved for opioid/benzodiazepine-induced respiratory depression.

Question 4

The maximum recommended time a sedation team should attempt bag-valve-mask ventilation before escalating to advanced airway management is:

Accepted Answer

2–3 minutes

Answer

If BVM ventilation fails to maintain adequate oxygenation after 2–3 minutes, advanced airway intervention (LMA or intubation) is indicated.

Question 5

A patient with a Mallampati Class IV airway is scheduled for a procedure requiring moderate sedation. The most important pre-procedure action is:

Accepted Answer

Ensure an anesthesiologist or provider skilled in advanced airway management is immediately available

Answer

Mallampati Class IV indicates a difficult airway; having advanced airway-skilled personnel present is the critical safety measure.

(CSC) Conscious Sedation Certification Practice Test

(CSC) Conscious Sedation Certification Practice Test

CSC Airway Management & Emergency Preparedness 2