CSC Airway Management & Emergency Preparedness 3

Question 1

A patient receiving IV midazolam and fentanyl for a colonoscopy becomes apneic. Naloxone is administered. Which concurrent action is ALSO required?

Accepted Answer

Provide positive-pressure ventilation until spontaneous breathing returns

Answer

Naloxone reverses opioid-induced apnea but takes 1–2 minutes to act; BVM ventilation must bridge the gap to prevent hypoxic injury.

Question 2

When using a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) during sedation, the correct size is estimated by measuring from:

Accepted Answer

Tip of the nose to the earlobe

Answer

NPA length is estimated by measuring from the tip of the nose to the earlobe, ensuring the device reaches the pharynx without entering the larynx.

Question 3

A patient undergoing conscious sedation develops sudden hypotension (BP 70/40), tachycardia, urticaria, and bronchospasm after a contrast dye injection. The PRIORITY intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Give IM epinephrine 0.3 mg (1:1,000) and call a code

Answer

This presentation is anaphylaxis; IM epinephrine is the first-line life-saving treatment, and a code response is warranted for cardiovascular collapse.

Question 4

During moderate sedation, ETCO2 rises from 38 to 58 mmHg over 10 minutes. This finding most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Hypoventilation with CO2 retention

Answer

Rising ETCO2 above 45 mmHg reflects inadequate minute ventilation and CO2 accumulation, a hallmark of opioid/sedative-induced hypoventilation.

Question 5

The oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is contraindicated in which patient scenario during sedation?

Accepted Answer

A patient with an intact gag reflex who is not fully obtunded

Answer

An OPA in a patient with an intact gag reflex causes vomiting and potential aspiration; it is used only in unconscious or deeply sedated patients.

(CSC) Conscious Sedation Certification Practice Test

(CSC) Conscious Sedation Certification Practice Test

CSC Airway Management & Emergency Preparedness 3