FP-C Ventilator Management and Respiratory Support

Question 1

What is the recommended lung-protective tidal volume for a mechanically ventilated adult patient during critical care transport?

Accepted Answer

6-8 mL/kg ideal body weight

Answer

Lung-protective ventilation targets 6-8 mL/kg of ideal body weight to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury.

Question 2

Which ventilator parameter most directly reflects alveolar plateau pressure and risk of barotrauma?

Accepted Answer

Plateau pressure

Answer

Plateau pressure reflects static alveolar distending pressure and should be kept below 30 cmH2O to reduce barotrauma risk.

Question 3

The primary purpose of PEEP in mechanical ventilation is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent alveolar collapse at end expiration

Answer

PEEP maintains positive end-expiratory pressure to prevent alveolar derecruitment and improve oxygenation.

Question 4

During transport, a ventilated patient's SpO2 drops to 88%. The FiO2 is 0.60 and PEEP is 5 cmH2O. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?

Accepted Answer

Increase PEEP to 8-10 cmH2O

Answer

Increasing PEEP recruits collapsed alveoli and improves oxygenation when FiO2 escalation alone is insufficient.

Question 5

What I:E ratio is typically used as a starting point for most mechanically ventilated adults?

Accepted Answer

1:2

Answer

A 1:2 I:E ratio (inspiration half the length of expiration) is the standard starting point, allowing adequate exhalation time.

FP-C - Flight Paramedic-Certification Practice Test