Paramedics Exam Airway, Respiration, and Ventilation 3

Question 1

A patient presents with paradoxical chest movement following blunt trauma. This is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Flail chest

Answer

Flail chest occurs when multiple rib fractures create a free-floating segment that moves opposite to the rest of the chest wall (paradoxical movement).

Question 2

Which of the following is the CORRECT tidal volume to deliver when ventilating an adult with a BVM?

Accepted Answer

500-600 mL over 1 second

Answer

Adult BVM ventilation should deliver 500-600 mL (enough to produce visible chest rise) over approximately 1 second to minimize gastric inflation.

Question 3

EtCO2 readings suddenly drop to near zero during transport of an intubated patient. The FIRST action should be:

Accepted Answer

Check for tube displacement

Answer

A sudden drop in EtCO2 to near zero most commonly indicates tube displacement, esophageal intubation, or circuit disconnection — tube position must be verified immediately.

Question 4

A CPAP device is being applied to a patient in acute pulmonary edema. Which pressure setting is MOST commonly used initially?

Accepted Answer

5-10 cm H2O

Answer

CPAP for pulmonary edema is typically initiated at 5-10 cm H2O, which recruits collapsed alveoli and reduces the work of breathing.

Question 5

Which of the following patients is the BEST candidate for CPAP therapy?

Accepted Answer

Alert patient in respiratory distress with SpO2 of 88%

Answer

CPAP is appropriate for an alert, cooperative patient in respiratory distress; unconscious patients, arrest, and active vomiting are contraindications.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Airway, Respiration, and Ventilation 3