NREMT Respiratory Emergencies & Oxygen Delivery

Question 1

What is a sign of respiratory distress?

Accepted Answer

Accessory muscle use and cyanosis

Answer

Signs of respiratory distress indicate that a patient is struggling to breathe and may not be getting enough oxygen. Accessory muscle use (e.g., in the neck and shoulders) shows increased effort to breathe, while cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin/mucous membranes) indicates severe oxygen deprivation. These are critical signs requiring immediate intervention to improve oxygenation.

Question 2

What is the appropriate device for a patient with adequate breathing but low oxygen saturation?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cannula or non-rebreather mask

Answer

For a patient with adequate breathing but low oxygen saturation, supplemental oxygen is needed. A nasal cannula delivers low-flow oxygen for mild hypoxia, while a non-rebreather mask delivers high concentrations of oxygen for more significant hypoxia. Both devices assist the patient's own breathing efforts to improve oxygen levels without requiring ventilatory assistance.

Question 3

What condition causes wheezing and difficulty exhaling?

Accepted Answer

Asthma

Answer

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to bronchospasm. This narrowing makes it difficult to exhale, producing the characteristic high-pitched whistling sound known as wheezing. Patients often experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing during an asthma exacerbation.

Question 4

What is the oxygen concentration delivered by a non-rebreather mask?

Accepted Answer

90–100%

Answer

A non-rebreather mask is designed to deliver the highest possible concentration of supplemental oxygen to a spontaneously breathing patient, typically 90-100%. It achieves this by having a reservoir bag that fills with oxygen and one-way valves that prevent exhaled air from mixing with the oxygen in the bag, ensuring the patient inhales nearly pure oxygen.

Question 5

When is a BVM indicated?

Accepted Answer

Inadequate or absent breathing

Answer

A bag-valve-mask (BVM) is indicated for patients who have inadequate breathing (e.g., very slow, shallow, or irregular breaths) or are not breathing at all (apnea). The BVM allows EMS providers to manually assist or provide ventilations, ensuring the patient receives sufficient oxygen and ventilation to sustain life. It is a critical tool for respiratory arrest.

NREMT Practice Test

NREMT Practice Test

NREMT Respiratory Emergencies & Oxygen Delivery