NBRC Airway Management 3

Question 1

Oral suctioning with a Yankauer catheter should be limited to:

Accepted Answer

10–15 second intervals

Answer

Suctioning should be limited to 10–15 seconds per pass to minimize hypoxia and mucosal trauma.

Question 2

Closed-suction catheter systems are preferred in mechanically ventilated patients primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain PEEP and prevent circuit contamination during suctioning

Answer

Closed-suction systems allow tracheal suctioning without disconnecting the ventilator circuit, preserving PEEP, oxygenation, and reducing infection risk.

Question 3

Which sign indicates that a tracheostomy tube cuff is overinflated?

Accepted Answer

Tracheal mucosal ischemia and pressure necrosis over time

Answer

Overinflated cuffs exert excessive pressure on tracheal mucosa, reducing capillary perfusion and causing ischemic necrosis if sustained.

Question 4

Heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) used in ventilator circuits function by:

Accepted Answer

Capturing heat and moisture from exhaled air and returning it to the next breath

Answer

HMEs are passive 'artificial noses' that trap heat and moisture from exhaled gas and release it to warm and humidify the next inhaled breath.

Question 5

During orotracheal suctioning, the catheter should be inserted to what depth before applying suction?

Accepted Answer

Until resistance is met (carina level), then withdrawn 1 cm

Answer

The catheter is advanced until carina resistance is felt, then withdrawn 1 cm before applying suction to avoid direct mucosal injury at the carina.

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC Airway Management 3