Paramedics Exam Airway, Respiration, and Ventilation 2

Question 1

A patient with a suspected cervical spine injury requires airway management. Which technique is preferred to open the airway?

Accepted Answer

Jaw-thrust maneuver

Answer

The jaw-thrust maneuver opens the airway without moving the cervical spine, making it the preferred technique when spinal injury is suspected.

Question 2

When assessing a patient's respiratory rate, you count 8 breaths per minute in an adult. This finding is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Bradypnea

Answer

Bradypnea is an abnormally slow respiratory rate, defined as fewer than 12 breaths per minute in adults.

Question 3

Which of the following is the MOST reliable indicator of proper endotracheal tube placement?

Accepted Answer

End-tidal CO2 waveform capnography

Answer

Continuous waveform capnography (EtCO2) is the gold standard for confirming and monitoring endotracheal tube placement.

Question 4

A patient is found apneic with a pulse. After opening the airway you should:

Accepted Answer

Provide rescue breathing at 10-12 breaths/min

Answer

An apneic patient with a pulse requires rescue breathing (assisted ventilations) at 10-12 breaths per minute, not CPR.

Question 5

Which lung sound is characterized by a high-pitched, musical wheeze heard on expiration associated with bronchospasm?

Accepted Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Wheezing is a high-pitched musical sound caused by air moving through narrowed lower airways, typically associated with bronchospasm.

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