ITLS Airway Management and Ventilation 3

Question 1

What is the most reliable method to confirm correct endotracheal tube placement in the field?

Accepted Answer

Continuous waveform capnography

Answer

Continuous waveform capnography is the gold standard for confirming and monitoring endotracheal tube placement, as it provides real-time verification of exhaled CO2 from the lungs.

Question 2

A trauma patient with an open neck wound develops progressive subcutaneous emphysema and respiratory distress. What airway complication should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Tracheal or bronchial disruption

Answer

Progressive subcutaneous emphysema from a neck wound combined with respiratory distress suggests tracheal or bronchial disruption, allowing air to dissect into subcutaneous tissues.

Question 3

When performing suctioning of a trauma patient's airway, what is the maximum recommended duration for each suction attempt?

Accepted Answer

15 seconds

Answer

Suctioning should be limited to 15 seconds per attempt to minimize hypoxia, as suctioning removes air as well as fluid from the airway.

Question 4

A patient with severe maxillofacial trauma has blood continuously pooling in the oropharynx despite repeated suctioning. What airway management strategy is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Perform a surgical cricothyrotomy for definitive airway control

Answer

When continuous oral bleeding overwhelms suctioning capacity and threatens the airway, a surgical cricothyrotomy provides a definitive airway below the level of hemorrhage, bypassing the compromised upper airway entirely.

Question 5

What is the appropriate tidal volume when ventilating an adult trauma patient with a bag-valve-mask?

Accepted Answer

500-600 mL per breath

Answer

The recommended tidal volume for BVM ventilation in adults is approximately 500-600 mL (6-7 mL/kg), providing adequate gas exchange while minimizing gastric insufflation and barotrauma risk.

ITLS - International Trauma Life Support Practice Test

ITLS - International Trauma Life Support Practice Test

ITLS Airway Management and Ventilation 3