Paramedics Exam Airway, Respiration & Ventilation 4

Question 1

A patient on CPAP for pulmonary edema suddenly deteriorates with decreased LOC and apnea. What is your next step?

Accepted Answer

Remove CPAP and initiate BVM ventilation with consideration for intubation

Answer

A patient on CPAP who deteriorates to apnea requires removal of CPAP and transition to BVM ventilation, with preparation for RSI if the patient cannot protect the airway.

Question 2

Which anatomical landmark differentiates the upper from the lower airway?

Accepted Answer

The vocal cords (glottis)

Answer

The glottis (vocal cords) marks the division between the upper and lower airways; structures above are upper airway, below (trachea, bronchi, lungs) are lower airway.

Question 3

Which sign most specifically suggests right mainstem bronchus intubation after ETT placement?

Accepted Answer

Absent breath sounds on the left with present sounds on the right

Answer

Unilateral absent breath sounds (typically left side) after intubation indicates right mainstem intubation because the right mainstem bronchus is shorter and more aligned with the trachea.

Question 4

When using a video laryngoscope, the paramedic obtains an excellent view of the glottis but cannot pass the ETT. What is the most likely reason?

Accepted Answer

The tube is not following the line of sight of the camera angle

Answer

Video laryngoscopes create a hyperangulated view; the ETT must be angled with a stylet to match the camera's curved line of sight, not the direct line of vision.

Question 5

A patient with a GCS of 6 is breathing at 24/min with shallow respirations. What ventilation strategy is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Assisted ventilation via BVM at 10–12 breaths/min coordinated with patient's efforts

Answer

A GCS of 6 with inadequate ventilation warrants assisted BVM ventilation; over-ventilation (hyperventilation) is harmful unless herniation is suspected.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Airway, Respiration & Ventilation 4