Paramedic Exam Study Prep - Airway and Breathing Exam
Questions and Answers
Question 1
Scenario:
You are caring for a male patient in ventricular tachycardia. He is lethargic, diaphoretic, pale, and has vomited once. His
vital signs are: BP 74/P, pulse 184, respirations 14. You are assigned to manage the airway.
Question:
Initial management should include
(A) high-flow oxygen by nonrebreather mask.
(B) preparation for intubation.
(C) bag-valve mask ventilations.
(D) suctioning the airway for vomitus.
Correct Answer
D. Remember the basics! You must first open the airway and suction it before any other airway management.
Page 1 of 43
,Question 2
When confirming endotracheal tube placement, it is imperative to auscultate
(A) at the midaxillary line.
(B) over the trachea.
(C) over the epigastrium.
(D) All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. Auscultating individuals lung fields is of great benefits because they help to confirm tube placement. Auscultation of
the epigastrium is beneficial because it will help to verify improper tube placement or problems with the cuff seal of the
tube.
Question 3
You have successfully resuscitated a patient who suffered a cardiac arrest. You are enroute to the hospital when the patient
wakes up and is not tolerating the endotracheal tube. The medical director at the receiving hospital has ordered you to
extubate the patient. All of the following should be done except
(A) removing the endotracheal tube in a cough or expiration.
(B) deflating the endotracheal tube cuff completely.
(C) removing the endotracheal tube slowly.
(D) providing supplemental oxygen once the tube is removed.
Correct Answer
C. The endotracheal tube must be removed swiftly on a cough or expiration.
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,Question 4
The administration of which of the following may result in a decrease in the respiratory rate?
(A) Nubain
(B) Diltazem
(C) Cordarone
(D) Morphine sulphate
Correct Answer
D. Morphine is an opiate that can cause central nervous system depression. Administration may result in a decrease in
the respiratory rate. Patients receiving morphine must be monitored closely for respiratory depression.
Question 5
Advantages of the Esophageal Tracheal CombiTube include all of the following except
(A) insertion is rapid and easy.
(B) it can be used on trauma patients.
(C) it can provide ventilation if placed in the esophagus.
(D) it can be used with pediatric patients.
Correct Answer
D. The Esophageal Tracheal CombiTube is not indicated for pediatric patients due to its large diameter and the risk of
perforation of the esophagus.
Page 3 of 43
, Question 6
You are performing rescue breathing with a bag-mask device for an apneic child. How often should you provide rescue
breaths?
(A) Once every 3 seconds
(B) Once every 6 seconds
(C) One every 9 seconds
(D) Twice every 6 seconds
Correct Answer
A. Once every 3 seconds (20 times per minute).
Question 7
The nasopharyngeal airway should be measured
(A) from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe.
(B) from the tip of the nose to the earlobe.
(C) from the tip of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
(D) from the tip of the nose to the chin.
Correct Answer
B. The nasopharyngeal airway should be measured from the tip of the nose to the earlobe.
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Questions and Answers
Question 1
Scenario:
You are caring for a male patient in ventricular tachycardia. He is lethargic, diaphoretic, pale, and has vomited once. His
vital signs are: BP 74/P, pulse 184, respirations 14. You are assigned to manage the airway.
Question:
Initial management should include
(A) high-flow oxygen by nonrebreather mask.
(B) preparation for intubation.
(C) bag-valve mask ventilations.
(D) suctioning the airway for vomitus.
Correct Answer
D. Remember the basics! You must first open the airway and suction it before any other airway management.
Page 1 of 43
,Question 2
When confirming endotracheal tube placement, it is imperative to auscultate
(A) at the midaxillary line.
(B) over the trachea.
(C) over the epigastrium.
(D) All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. Auscultating individuals lung fields is of great benefits because they help to confirm tube placement. Auscultation of
the epigastrium is beneficial because it will help to verify improper tube placement or problems with the cuff seal of the
tube.
Question 3
You have successfully resuscitated a patient who suffered a cardiac arrest. You are enroute to the hospital when the patient
wakes up and is not tolerating the endotracheal tube. The medical director at the receiving hospital has ordered you to
extubate the patient. All of the following should be done except
(A) removing the endotracheal tube in a cough or expiration.
(B) deflating the endotracheal tube cuff completely.
(C) removing the endotracheal tube slowly.
(D) providing supplemental oxygen once the tube is removed.
Correct Answer
C. The endotracheal tube must be removed swiftly on a cough or expiration.
Page 2 of 43
,Question 4
The administration of which of the following may result in a decrease in the respiratory rate?
(A) Nubain
(B) Diltazem
(C) Cordarone
(D) Morphine sulphate
Correct Answer
D. Morphine is an opiate that can cause central nervous system depression. Administration may result in a decrease in
the respiratory rate. Patients receiving morphine must be monitored closely for respiratory depression.
Question 5
Advantages of the Esophageal Tracheal CombiTube include all of the following except
(A) insertion is rapid and easy.
(B) it can be used on trauma patients.
(C) it can provide ventilation if placed in the esophagus.
(D) it can be used with pediatric patients.
Correct Answer
D. The Esophageal Tracheal CombiTube is not indicated for pediatric patients due to its large diameter and the risk of
perforation of the esophagus.
Page 3 of 43
, Question 6
You are performing rescue breathing with a bag-mask device for an apneic child. How often should you provide rescue
breaths?
(A) Once every 3 seconds
(B) Once every 6 seconds
(C) One every 9 seconds
(D) Twice every 6 seconds
Correct Answer
A. Once every 3 seconds (20 times per minute).
Question 7
The nasopharyngeal airway should be measured
(A) from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe.
(B) from the tip of the nose to the earlobe.
(C) from the tip of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
(D) from the tip of the nose to the chin.
Correct Answer
B. The nasopharyngeal airway should be measured from the tip of the nose to the earlobe.
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