Clinical Procedures & Protocols Flashcards

When performing endotracheal intubation, the cuff should be inflated to what pressure range to minimize tracheal mucosal damage?

Answer: 20–30 cmH2O

ETT cuff pressure should be maintained between 20–30 cmH2O to seal the airway while preventing mucosal ischemia.

A patient in PEA arrest has bilateral absent breath sounds after intubation. What is the FIRST action?

Answer: Remove the ETT and BVM ventilate

Absent bilateral breath sounds after intubation indicates esophageal intubation; immediately remove the tube and resume BVM ventilation.

Which needle decompression landmark is used in the anterior approach for tension pneumothorax?

Answer: 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line

The standard anterior landmark is the 2nd intercostal space at the midclavicular line, just above the 3rd rib.

During IV cannulation, you advance the catheter and get a flashback but cannot flush. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Catheter is kinked or the vein has been blown

A flashback followed by inability to flush usually means the catheter tip has blown the vein or the catheter is kinked against the vessel wall.

When applying a tourniquet for hemorrhage control, it should be placed how far proximal to the wound?

Answer: 2–3 inches proximal to the wound

Tourniquets should be applied 2–3 inches proximal to the bleeding wound to effectively compress the supplying vessel.

Which waveform on capnography indicates CPR compressions are providing adequate perfusion during cardiac arrest?

Answer: ETCO2 consistently ≥ 10 mmHg

An ETCO2 of ≥ 10 mmHg during CPR suggests adequate cardiac output is being generated by compressions.

A patient requires IO access. After successful insertion, which finding BEST confirms correct placement?

Answer: Absence of subcutaneous infiltration and easy fluid flow

Correct IO placement is confirmed by the needle standing firm, easy aspiration of marrow contents, and fluid flowing without subcutaneous swelling.