Free MAC Patient Monitoring & Airway Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which device is most commonly used to monitor oxygen saturation during anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Pulse oximeter

Answer

A pulse oximeter is the most commonly used non-invasive device for monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO2) during anesthesia. It works by measuring the differential absorption of light at two wavelengths by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in pulsatile arterial blood. This provides a continuous, real-time assessment of a patient's arterial oxygenation, crucial for detecting hypoxemia.

Question 2

Which parameter is monitored using capnography?

Accepted Answer

End-tidal carbon dioxide

Answer

Capnography is the monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration or partial pressure in respiratory gases. Specifically, it measures end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), which is the maximum concentration of CO2 at the end of an exhaled breath. This parameter provides vital information about ventilation, pulmonary perfusion, and metabolic activity, making it an essential monitoring tool during anesthesia.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of ECG monitoring during anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Detect cardiac irregularities

Answer

Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring during anesthesia is primarily used to continuously assess the electrical activity of the heart. Its main purpose is to detect any cardiac irregularities, such as arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, or conduction disturbances, which are critical for patient safety. Early detection allows for timely intervention, guiding anesthetic management and preventing adverse cardiac events.

Question 4

Which airway device is typically used for short procedures under general anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Laryngeal mask airway

Answer

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a supraglottic airway device commonly used for short procedures under general anesthesia. It provides a less invasive alternative to an endotracheal tube, creating a seal around the larynx to facilitate ventilation without entering the trachea. This makes it suitable for cases where intubation is not strictly necessary, offering a balance of airway control and ease of use.

Question 5

What is the first step in basic airway management?

Accepted Answer

Perform head-tilt, chin-lift

Answer

The first step in basic airway management for an unconscious patient is to open the airway, and the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is the safest and most effective initial technique. This maneuver displaces the tongue from the posterior pharynx, which is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient. Establishing a patent airway is fundamental before any other interventions.

MAC - Maintaining Anesthesia Certification Practice Test

MAC - Maintaining Anesthesia Certification Practice Test

Free MAC Patient Monitoring & Airway Management Questions and Answers