1
FISDAP Airway Exam 2026/2027 Actual Exam | 3
Versions A B & C Complete with 300 Questions &
Correct Detailed Answers with Rationales | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Version A: Airway Fundamentals
Q1: The structure that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing is
the:
A. Epiglottis [CORRECT]
B. Uvula
C. Thyroid cartilage
D. Cricoid cartilage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped cartilage that covers the glottic opening during
swallowing to prevent aspiration. The uvula (B) prevents nasal regurgitation. The thyroid (C) and
cricoid (D) cartilages provide structural support.
Q2: The primary respiratory center is located in the:
A. Cerebellum
B. Medulla oblongata [CORRECT]
C. Pons
D. Cerebrum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The medulla oblongata contains the primary respiratory center (dorsal respiratory
group and ventral respiratory group) controlling rate and depth. The pons (C) helps smooth the
respiratory pattern.
,2
Q3: Which of the following is the correct sequence of anatomical structures during inhalation?
A. Nose/Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi [CORRECT]
B. Nose/Nasopharynx, Larynx, Oropharynx, Trachea, Bronchi
C. Mouth, Oropharynx, Nasopharynx, Trachea, Larynx
D. Mouth, Larynx, Oropharynx, Bronchi, Trachea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Air enters the nasopharynx, moves to the oropharynx (common passage), passes
through the larynx (voice box), into the trachea, and then the bronchi. The larynx is superior to
the trachea.
Q4: The term "hypoxia" is best defined as:
A. An absence of oxygen in the blood
B. An insufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues [CORRECT]
C. An excess of carbon dioxide in the blood
D. Difficulty breathing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxia specifically refers to inadequate oxygenation of tissues. An absence of
oxygen (A) is anoxia. Excess CO2 (C) is hypercapnia.
Q5: The normal respiratory rate for an adult at rest is:
A. 8-12 breaths per minute
B. 12-20 breaths per minute [CORRECT]
C. 20-30 breaths per minute
D. 25-50 breaths per minute
,3
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adult normal range is typically 12-20. Rates <12 are bradypnea, >20 (or 24 depending
on source) is tachypnea.
Q6: In which portion of the respiratory system does gas exchange occur?
A. Bronchioles
B. Alveoli [CORRECT]
C. Trachea
D. Pharynx
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gas exchange happens across the thin walls of the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries.
The others are conducting airways.
Q7: Which of the following is NOT a sign of adequate breathing?
A. Bilateral chest rise
B. Pink, warm, dry skin
C. Unequal breath sounds [CORRECT]
D. Regular rhythm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unequal breath sounds indicate a potential problem (pneumothorax, pneumonia,
obstruction). Adequate breathing requires equal sounds.
Q8: The "sniffing position" is used to:
A. Clear secretions from the airway
B. Align the axes of the airway for easier visualization [CORRECT]
C. Prevent gastric distention
, 4
D. Open the nasal passages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sniffing position aligns the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes, making it the
optimal position for opening the airway and visualizing the cords.
Q9: Which cartilage forms the "Adam's apple"?
A. Cricoid
B. Arytenoid
C. Thyroid [CORRECT]
D. Epiglottis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage and forms the visible prominence known
as the Adam's apple.
Q10: A patient is making a high-pitched sound during inspiration. This is known as:
A. Stridor [CORRECT]
B. Wheezing
C. Gurgling
D. Crackles
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stridor is a high-pitched sound indicating upper airway obstruction. Wheezing (B) is
typically expiratory and lower airway. Gurgling (C) indicates fluid in the upper airway.
Q11: The purpose of the carina is to:
A. Protect the trachea
FISDAP Airway Exam 2026/2027 Actual Exam | 3
Versions A B & C Complete with 300 Questions &
Correct Detailed Answers with Rationales | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Version A: Airway Fundamentals
Q1: The structure that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing is
the:
A. Epiglottis [CORRECT]
B. Uvula
C. Thyroid cartilage
D. Cricoid cartilage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped cartilage that covers the glottic opening during
swallowing to prevent aspiration. The uvula (B) prevents nasal regurgitation. The thyroid (C) and
cricoid (D) cartilages provide structural support.
Q2: The primary respiratory center is located in the:
A. Cerebellum
B. Medulla oblongata [CORRECT]
C. Pons
D. Cerebrum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The medulla oblongata contains the primary respiratory center (dorsal respiratory
group and ventral respiratory group) controlling rate and depth. The pons (C) helps smooth the
respiratory pattern.
,2
Q3: Which of the following is the correct sequence of anatomical structures during inhalation?
A. Nose/Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi [CORRECT]
B. Nose/Nasopharynx, Larynx, Oropharynx, Trachea, Bronchi
C. Mouth, Oropharynx, Nasopharynx, Trachea, Larynx
D. Mouth, Larynx, Oropharynx, Bronchi, Trachea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Air enters the nasopharynx, moves to the oropharynx (common passage), passes
through the larynx (voice box), into the trachea, and then the bronchi. The larynx is superior to
the trachea.
Q4: The term "hypoxia" is best defined as:
A. An absence of oxygen in the blood
B. An insufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues [CORRECT]
C. An excess of carbon dioxide in the blood
D. Difficulty breathing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxia specifically refers to inadequate oxygenation of tissues. An absence of
oxygen (A) is anoxia. Excess CO2 (C) is hypercapnia.
Q5: The normal respiratory rate for an adult at rest is:
A. 8-12 breaths per minute
B. 12-20 breaths per minute [CORRECT]
C. 20-30 breaths per minute
D. 25-50 breaths per minute
,3
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adult normal range is typically 12-20. Rates <12 are bradypnea, >20 (or 24 depending
on source) is tachypnea.
Q6: In which portion of the respiratory system does gas exchange occur?
A. Bronchioles
B. Alveoli [CORRECT]
C. Trachea
D. Pharynx
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gas exchange happens across the thin walls of the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries.
The others are conducting airways.
Q7: Which of the following is NOT a sign of adequate breathing?
A. Bilateral chest rise
B. Pink, warm, dry skin
C. Unequal breath sounds [CORRECT]
D. Regular rhythm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unequal breath sounds indicate a potential problem (pneumothorax, pneumonia,
obstruction). Adequate breathing requires equal sounds.
Q8: The "sniffing position" is used to:
A. Clear secretions from the airway
B. Align the axes of the airway for easier visualization [CORRECT]
C. Prevent gastric distention
, 4
D. Open the nasal passages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sniffing position aligns the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes, making it the
optimal position for opening the airway and visualizing the cords.
Q9: Which cartilage forms the "Adam's apple"?
A. Cricoid
B. Arytenoid
C. Thyroid [CORRECT]
D. Epiglottis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage and forms the visible prominence known
as the Adam's apple.
Q10: A patient is making a high-pitched sound during inspiration. This is known as:
A. Stridor [CORRECT]
B. Wheezing
C. Gurgling
D. Crackles
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stridor is a high-pitched sound indicating upper airway obstruction. Wheezing (B) is
typically expiratory and lower airway. Gurgling (C) indicates fluid in the upper airway.
Q11: The purpose of the carina is to:
A. Protect the trachea
