OFA Respiratory Emergencies & Airway Management 3

Question 1

At what blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) level should a first aider generally consider initiating supplemental oxygen therapy?

Accepted Answer

Below 95%

Answer

Supplemental oxygen is typically indicated when SpO₂ falls below 95%, as values in this range suggest inadequate oxygenation requiring intervention.

Question 2

What oxygen flow rate is required to maintain an adequate reservoir in a non-rebreather mask?

Accepted Answer

10–15 L/min

Answer

A non-rebreather mask requires 10–15 L/min to keep the reservoir bag adequately inflated, delivering approximately 90% oxygen concentration.

Question 3

A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is preferred over an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) when the patient:

Accepted Answer

Has an intact gag reflex or is semi-conscious

Answer

An NPA can be tolerated by patients with an active gag reflex because it is softer and passes through the nose rather than triggering the palatal reflex.

Question 4

When using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) for rescue breathing, what indicates an appropriate tidal volume has been delivered?

Accepted Answer

Visible, gentle chest rise

Answer

Delivering just enough volume to produce visible chest rise avoids over-inflation, which can force air into the stomach and cause regurgitation.

Question 5

What is 'agonal breathing' and why is it clinically significant in occupational first aid?

Accepted Answer

Irregular, gasping breaths that can occur after cardiac arrest and should NOT be mistaken for normal breathing

Answer

Agonal breathing is a brainstem reflex producing slow, gasping, irregular respirations following cardiac arrest; it does not represent effective ventilation and CPR should begin.

(OFA) Occupational First Aid Certification Practice Test

(OFA) Occupational First Aid Certification Practice Test

OFA Respiratory Emergencies & Airway Management 3