Paramedics Exam Airway, Respiration, and Ventilation 4

Question 1

A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) provides which level of airway protection?

Accepted Answer

Supraglottic airway — no aspiration protection

Answer

The LMA sits above the glottis (supraglottic) and does not provide protection against aspiration of gastric contents.

Question 2

When performing rapid sequence intubation (RSI), succinylcholine is selected as the paralytic agent. A contraindication to succinylcholine is:

Accepted Answer

Suspected crush injury 48 hours old

Answer

Succinylcholine causes potassium release from muscle cells; in crush injuries older than 24-48 hours, this can cause life-threatening hyperkalemia.

Question 3

A patient has stridor and a barking cough following upper respiratory infection. This presentation is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Answer

Croup presents with a characteristic 'seal bark' cough, stridor, and low-grade fever after a viral URI, typically in young children.

Question 4

Hypercapnia (elevated CO2) causes which of the following physiologic effects?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis and vasodilation

Answer

Elevated CO2 dissolves in blood to form carbonic acid, causing respiratory acidosis, and also acts as a potent vasodilator.

Question 5

Which of the following is the CORRECT method for sizing an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)?

Accepted Answer

From the corner of the mouth to the earlobe

Answer

An OPA is sized by measuring from the corner of the patient's mouth to the earlobe (or center of mouth to angle of jaw), ensuring proper fit.

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