FREE Paramedics Respiratory Distress Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 72-year-old male with a history of COPD calls 911 for worsening shortness of breath.
He is sitting upright, using accessory muscles, and speaking in 2-3 word sentences.
His SpO2 is 86% on room air.
Lung sounds reveal diffuse expiratory wheezes.
What is the most appropriate initial treatment for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Administer a nebulized bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol).

Answer

Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min.

Answer

Assist with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Answer

Prepare for endotracheal intubation.

Question 2

Which of the following physical findings is most indicative of severe respiratory distress in an adult patient?

Accepted Answer

Accessory muscle use and tripod position.

Answer

Respiratory rate of 20 breaths/minute.

Answer

Pink and warm skin with capillary refill <2 seconds.

Answer

Slightly anxious demeanor.

Question 3

A 5-year-old child presents with sudden onset of difficulty breathing after playing with small toys. The child is conscious, coughing forcefully, and has inspiratory stridor. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the child to continue coughing.

Answer

Administer racemic epinephrine via nebulizer.

Answer

Perform back blows and chest thrusts.

Answer

Prepare for cricothyrotomy.

Question 4

During the assessment of a patient experiencing respiratory distress, you note paradoxical chest wall movement. This finding is most commonly associated with which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Flail chest.

Answer

Asthma exacerbation.

Answer

Pneumonia.

Answer

Pulmonary embolism.

Question 5

Which of the following BEST distinguishes between respiratory distress and respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress involves increased work of breathing, while respiratory failure involves inadequate gas exchange.

Answer

Respiratory distress involves an SpO2 below 90%, while respiratory failure involves an SpO2 below 80%.

Answer

Respiratory distress is always reversible, whereas respiratory failure is not.

Answer

Respiratory distress presents with tachypnea, while respiratory failure always presents with bradypnea.

Question 6

A patient with a history of severe allergies presents with sudden onset of stridor, angioedema of the face and lips, and widespread urticaria after eating peanuts. The patient is anxious and having difficulty speaking. What is the most immediate life-saving intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer epinephrine intramuscularly.

Answer

Administer diphenhydramine intravenously.

Answer

Initiate intravenous fluids.

Answer

Apply high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask.