OEC OEC Airway Management & Respiratory Emergencies 2

Question 1

A patient in respiratory distress from asthma asks to sit up. What position should you allow?

Accepted Answer

Position of comfort, typically upright or semi-upright

Answer

Patients in respiratory distress breathe most effectively in an upright or semi-upright position of comfort that maximizes lung expansion.

Question 2

What is the key distinction between respiratory distress and respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Patient's ability to maintain adequate oxygenation

Answer

Respiratory failure occurs when compensatory mechanisms are overwhelmed and the patient can no longer maintain adequate oxygenation, unlike distress where those mechanisms still function.

Question 3

Why do patients hyperventilating during a panic attack experience tingling in their hands and around their mouth?

Accepted Answer

Low carbon dioxide (hypocapnia) causing vasoconstriction

Answer

Rapid breathing blows off CO2, causing hypocapnia and cerebral vasoconstriction that produces tingling (paresthesias) in the extremities and face.

Question 4

Which finding during breathing assessment requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Shallow chest rise with minimal tidal volume

Answer

Shallow chest rise indicates inadequate tidal volume that will lead to hypoxia and requires immediate airway and ventilation support.

Question 5

What does a patient assuming the 'tripod position' (leaning forward on hands) indicate?

Accepted Answer

Significant respiratory distress using accessory muscles

Answer

The tripod position is a compensatory posture adopted during significant respiratory distress to fix the shoulder girdle and maximize use of accessory breathing muscles.

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

OEC OEC Airway Management & Respiratory Emergencies 2