OEC Airway Management & Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards

How do you correctly size an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) for a patient?

Answer: Corner of the mouth to the earlobe

Measure an OPA from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe to select the correct size and ensure it seats properly in the oropharynx.

What is the recommended ventilation rate when using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) on an adult in respiratory arrest?

Answer: 10–12 breaths/min

Current guidelines recommend ventilating an adult in respiratory arrest at 10–12 breaths per minute with a BVM to avoid hyperventilation.

Which oxygen delivery device can deliver the highest inspired oxygen concentration in the field?

Answer: Non-rebreather mask

A non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min can deliver up to 90% FiO2 by preventing exhaled air from mixing with oxygen in the reservoir bag.

At what flow rate should a nasal cannula be set to deliver approximately 36–44% FiO2?

Answer: 4–6 L/min

A nasal cannula at 4–6 L/min delivers approximately 36–44% FiO2, with each additional liter per minute adding roughly 4% above room air.

What is the most common complication of improper BVM ventilation technique?

Answer: Gastric distension

Excessive tidal volume or rate forces air into the stomach, causing gastric distension which increases the risk of vomiting and aspiration.

In which situation is a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) contraindicated?

Answer: Suspected basilar skull fracture

An NPA is contraindicated with suspected basilar skull fracture due to risk of inadvertent intracranial placement through a fractured cribriform plate.