NBCRNA Airway Management 2

Question 1

Cricoid pressure (Sellick maneuver) is applied during RSI to do what?

Accepted Answer

Compress the esophagus against the cervical spine to reduce passive regurgitation

Answer

Cricoid pressure applies backward force on the cricoid cartilage to compress the esophagus, theoretically reducing the risk of passive regurgitation of gastric contents during RSI.

Question 2

When confirming endotracheal tube placement, which is considered the gold standard method?

Accepted Answer

Continuous waveform capnography

Answer

Continuous waveform capnography is the gold standard for confirming ETT placement because it provides real-time evidence of CO2 being exhaled from the lungs, which cannot occur with esophageal intubation.

Question 3

Laryngospasm occurs when glottic and supraglottic muscles contract in response to a stimulus; the initial treatment is:

Accepted Answer

Positive pressure with 100% O2 and jaw thrust, followed by succinylcholine if unresolved

Answer

Partial laryngospasm is treated with sustained CPAP and jaw thrust; if complete laryngospasm causes desaturation, succinylcholine (0.1–1 mg/kg) rapidly breaks the spasm.

Question 4

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) used during preoxygenation before RSI provides apneic oxygenation by what mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Delivering continuous oxygen flow to maintain FRC oxygen reservoir during apnea

Answer

HFNC delivers up to 70 L/min of oxygen, which diffuses from the pharynx to alveoli during apnea (apneic oxygenation), extending safe apnea time significantly.

Question 5

Which anatomical feature makes nasotracheal intubation contraindicated in patients with basilar skull fractures?

Accepted Answer

Risk of intracranial placement through cribriform plate defects

Answer

Basilar skull fractures can disrupt the cribriform plate, creating a potential path for a nasal tube to enter the cranial vault rather than the trachea.

NBCRNA - National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists Practice Test

NBCRNA - National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists Practice Test

NBCRNA Airway Management 2