EMT Airway and Breathing Practice Test 2

Question 1

A blue or greyish coloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen in the blood is called?

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis

Answer

Cyanosis is a medical sign characterized by a bluish or grayish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and nail beds. This coloration is caused by the presence of deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood, indicating a lack of sufficient oxygen delivery to the tissues. It is a critical sign of hypoxemia or poor circulation.

Question 2

You are performing rescue breaths using an Ambu bag attached to 100% O2. After several breaths you notice the patients O2 saturation has dropped significantly. What should you do next?

Accepted Answer

Reposition the patient's head

Answer

If a patient's oxygen saturation drops significantly during rescue breaths, the most common and immediate problem is an obstructed airway, often caused by the tongue falling back. Repositioning the patient's head, typically using a head-tilt chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver, is the first and most crucial step to open the airway and allow for effective ventilation. A proper airway is paramount for oxygen delivery.

Question 3

What is the proper amount of air that should be injected to the cuff of an Endo Tracheal Tube?

Accepted Answer

10 cc

Answer

When inflating the cuff of an endotracheal tube, approximately 5-10 cc of air is typically injected. The goal is to create a minimal occlusive volume (MOV) that seals the trachea, preventing air leakage and aspiration, without overinflating the cuff. Overinflation can cause tracheal ischemia and damage, so careful inflation and monitoring are essential.

Question 4

The space between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis is called?

Accepted Answer

Vallecula

Answer

The vallecula is an anatomical space located between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis. This landmark is crucial during direct laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation. The tip of a curved laryngoscope blade (Macintosh) is typically placed in the vallecula to indirectly lift the epiglottis and visualize the vocal cords.

Question 5

What condition is characterized by gasping, labored breathing, and strange vocalizations?

Accepted Answer

Agonal Breaths

Answer

Agonal breaths are gasping, labored, and often noisy respirations that are a sign of severe brain hypoxia and impending respiratory arrest. These breaths are not effective for ventilation and indicate a critical medical emergency. They are often observed in patients in cardiac arrest or near death.

NREMT Practice Test

NREMT Practice Test

EMT Airway and Breathing Practice Test 2