NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Airways and Breathing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult patient at rest?
- 6–10 breaths per minute
- 12–20 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- 22–30 breaths per minute
- 30–40 breaths per minute
Correct answer: 12–20 breaths per minute
A normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute. Rates below 12 (bradypnea) or above 20 (tachypnea) may indicate respiratory distress or other underlying conditions requiring intervention.
Question 2: Which of the following is the BEST indicator that artificial ventilations with a BVM are effective?
- The patient's heart rate increases
- Visible, bilateral chest rise with each breath (Correct answer)
- The patient's skin becomes flushed and warm
- You feel resistance when squeezing the bag
Correct answer: Visible, bilateral chest rise with each breath
Visible bilateral chest rise with each delivered breath is the primary confirmation that the airway is open and air is entering the lungs. Resistance or lack of rise suggests a poorly seated mask, airway obstruction, or incorrect technique.
Question 3: A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is CONTRAINDICATED in a patient with:
- Active seizure activity
- An intact gag reflex
- Suspected basilar skull fracture (Correct answer)
- Alcohol intoxication and altered mental status
Correct answer: Suspected basilar skull fracture
A suspected basilar skull fracture contraindicates NPA use because the device could pass through a fractured cribriform plate and enter the cranial vault. Signs of basilar skull fracture include Battle's sign, raccoon eyes, and clear fluid from the nose or ears.
Question 4: At what flow rate should oxygen be set when using a non-rebreather mask (NRB) to ensure the reservoir bag remains adequately inflated?
- 4–6 liters per minute
- 6–8 liters per minute
- 10–15 liters per minute (Correct answer)
- 18–20 liters per minute
Correct answer: 10–15 liters per minute
A non-rebreather mask requires 10–15 liters per minute to keep the reservoir bag at least two-thirds full, delivering approximately 90–95% oxygen. Lower flow rates allow exhaled CO2 to re-enter the bag, reducing oxygen concentration.
Question 5: The primary function of the epiglottis is to:
- Warm and humidify air as it enters the airway
- Prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing (Correct answer)
- Facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in the alveoli
- Regulate airflow distribution between the left and right bronchi
Correct answer: Prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing
The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage that folds over the opening of the trachea (glottis) during swallowing, directing food and liquids into the esophagus and preventing aspiration into the lungs.
Question 6: An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is appropriate to use in which of the following patients?
- A conscious patient complaining of difficulty breathing
- An unconscious patient who has no gag reflex (Correct answer)
- A semiconscious patient with an active gag reflex
- A patient in mild respiratory distress with SpO2 of 94%
Correct answer: An unconscious patient who has no gag reflex
An OPA is indicated only in unconscious patients who have no gag reflex. Inserting an OPA in a patient with an intact gag reflex can stimulate vomiting and cause aspiration, which is a life-threatening complication.
NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Airways and Breathing 1
What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult patient at rest?