Paramedics Exam Airway, Respiration & Ventilation 3

Question 1

A trauma patient has absent breath sounds on the left with tracheal deviation to the right and JVD. Blood pressure is 70/40. What intervention takes priority?

Accepted Answer

Needle decompression of the left chest

Answer

Absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation away, JVD, and hypotension are classic signs of tension pneumothorax, requiring immediate needle decompression.

Question 2

Which ETCO2 reading during CPR suggests good quality chest compressions and adequate perfusion?

Accepted Answer

20–40 mmHg

Answer

ETCO2 of 20–40 mmHg during CPR correlates with adequate cardiac output and perfusion; values below 10 mmHg suggest poor compressions or futile resuscitation.

Question 3

A patient with a suspected C-spine injury requires intubation. Which technique is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Orotracheal intubation with manual in-line stabilization

Answer

Orotracheal intubation with manual in-line cervical stabilization (MILS) maintains the airway while minimizing cervical spine movement.

Question 4

A patient with epiglottitis is in a 'sniffing position' and drooling. Which airway management approach is preferred in the prehospital setting?

Accepted Answer

Allow patient to maintain position of comfort and prepare for surgical airway backup

Answer

Epiglottitis can cause complete airway obstruction if agitated; the patient should be kept calm in position of comfort with surgical airway equipment on standby.

Question 5

During ventilation of a pediatric patient, you notice gastric distension. What is the most appropriate corrective action?

Accepted Answer

Reduce tidal volume and ensure proper head positioning

Answer

Gastric distension from over-ventilation is corrected by reducing tidal volume to 6–8 mL/kg and ensuring proper airway alignment; NG decompression may follow.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Airway, Respiration & Ventilation 3