Paramedic Airway Exam Practice
Questions and Study Guide for
Airway Management
Comprehensive Questions and
Answers Latest 2026 Sure Pass!!!
How does the body initially compensate for a decrease in
cardiac output?
Correct Answer: Increasing the systemic vascular
resistance
How would you position a bariatric patient?
Correct Answer: Use Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position if
respiratory distress is present, ensuring comfort and
maintaining airway. Utilize additional resources as needed
for safety.
A higher pH is more acidic or basic?
Correct Answer: A higher pH is more basic (or alkalotic)
A lower pH is more acidic or basic?
Correct Answer: A lower pH is more acidic
Describe the procedure for performing pleural
decompression.
Correct Answer: 1. Identify the second intercostal space at
the midclavicular line. 2. Prep the area with antiseptic. 3.
Administer local anesthesia. 4. Insert a large-bore needle
or catheter over-the-needle into the pleural space. 5.
Aspirate air or fluid to relieve pressure. 6. Secure the
1
,catheter and dress the wound. 7. Confirm placement with
chest X-ray
Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient requiring
pleural decompression.
Correct Answer: Severe dyspnea, decreased breath
sounds on affected side, tracheal deviation away from
affected side, hypoxia, cyanosis, increased respiratory
effort, and jugular venous distension
How do we evaluate effective bag-mask valve ventilations?
Correct Answer: Observe chest rise and fall, listen for
bilateral breath sounds, monitor for improvement in
patient's color and oxygen saturation, and ensure the
absence of gastric distension
How do we evaluate the adequacy of respirations?
Correct Answer: Assess respiratory rate, depth, and
rhythm; use pulse oximetry to check oxygen saturation;
observe chest wall movement; and listen to breath sounds
for adequacy of air exchange
How do we treat a patient who has ingested a toxic
substance?
Correct Answer: Assess ABCs, administer activated
charcoal if appropriate, provide supportive care, possibly
perform gastric lavage if within 1 hour of ingestion and
indicated, and contact poison control for specific advice
How do we treat a patient with a tracheostomy tube?
Correct Answer: Ensure patency of the tube, suction as
needed, provide humidified oxygen if required, monitor for
signs of infection or obstruction, and replace the tube as
per protocol if dislodged
How long should your intubation attempt be (i.e. blade in
the mouth)
2
, Correct Answer: 30 seconds
If a patient is still wheezing after receiving an albuterol
nebulizer, should you give them more albuterol?
Correct Answer: Yes and also considering adding Atrovent
(ipratroprium bromide) to the neb treatment (A&A neb)
If a piece of food on a choking victim cannot be dislodged
during compressions, what should you do?
Correct Answer: Use your laryngoscope blade and Magill
forceps to attempt to locate and remove the obstruction
If pCO2 is higher than 45, is this a respiratory or metabolic
cause (we are NOT considering any compensation here)?
Correct Answer: Respiratory
If pCO2 is less than 35, is this a respiratory or metabolic
cause (we are NOT considering any compensation here)?
Correct Answer: Metabolic
If you cause bleeding during intubation, you should?
Correct Answer: Suction
If you hear gurgling in the airway, you should?
Correct Answer: Suction
Is a pCO2 greater than 45 acidic or basic?
Correct Answer: Acidic
Is a pCO2 less than 35 acidic or basic?
Correct Answer: Basic
Name several opioid drugs/medications.
Correct Answer: oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone
(Vicodin), morphine, methadone, fentanyl, heroin.
Describe the hypoxic drive.
3
Questions and Study Guide for
Airway Management
Comprehensive Questions and
Answers Latest 2026 Sure Pass!!!
How does the body initially compensate for a decrease in
cardiac output?
Correct Answer: Increasing the systemic vascular
resistance
How would you position a bariatric patient?
Correct Answer: Use Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position if
respiratory distress is present, ensuring comfort and
maintaining airway. Utilize additional resources as needed
for safety.
A higher pH is more acidic or basic?
Correct Answer: A higher pH is more basic (or alkalotic)
A lower pH is more acidic or basic?
Correct Answer: A lower pH is more acidic
Describe the procedure for performing pleural
decompression.
Correct Answer: 1. Identify the second intercostal space at
the midclavicular line. 2. Prep the area with antiseptic. 3.
Administer local anesthesia. 4. Insert a large-bore needle
or catheter over-the-needle into the pleural space. 5.
Aspirate air or fluid to relieve pressure. 6. Secure the
1
,catheter and dress the wound. 7. Confirm placement with
chest X-ray
Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient requiring
pleural decompression.
Correct Answer: Severe dyspnea, decreased breath
sounds on affected side, tracheal deviation away from
affected side, hypoxia, cyanosis, increased respiratory
effort, and jugular venous distension
How do we evaluate effective bag-mask valve ventilations?
Correct Answer: Observe chest rise and fall, listen for
bilateral breath sounds, monitor for improvement in
patient's color and oxygen saturation, and ensure the
absence of gastric distension
How do we evaluate the adequacy of respirations?
Correct Answer: Assess respiratory rate, depth, and
rhythm; use pulse oximetry to check oxygen saturation;
observe chest wall movement; and listen to breath sounds
for adequacy of air exchange
How do we treat a patient who has ingested a toxic
substance?
Correct Answer: Assess ABCs, administer activated
charcoal if appropriate, provide supportive care, possibly
perform gastric lavage if within 1 hour of ingestion and
indicated, and contact poison control for specific advice
How do we treat a patient with a tracheostomy tube?
Correct Answer: Ensure patency of the tube, suction as
needed, provide humidified oxygen if required, monitor for
signs of infection or obstruction, and replace the tube as
per protocol if dislodged
How long should your intubation attempt be (i.e. blade in
the mouth)
2
, Correct Answer: 30 seconds
If a patient is still wheezing after receiving an albuterol
nebulizer, should you give them more albuterol?
Correct Answer: Yes and also considering adding Atrovent
(ipratroprium bromide) to the neb treatment (A&A neb)
If a piece of food on a choking victim cannot be dislodged
during compressions, what should you do?
Correct Answer: Use your laryngoscope blade and Magill
forceps to attempt to locate and remove the obstruction
If pCO2 is higher than 45, is this a respiratory or metabolic
cause (we are NOT considering any compensation here)?
Correct Answer: Respiratory
If pCO2 is less than 35, is this a respiratory or metabolic
cause (we are NOT considering any compensation here)?
Correct Answer: Metabolic
If you cause bleeding during intubation, you should?
Correct Answer: Suction
If you hear gurgling in the airway, you should?
Correct Answer: Suction
Is a pCO2 greater than 45 acidic or basic?
Correct Answer: Acidic
Is a pCO2 less than 35 acidic or basic?
Correct Answer: Basic
Name several opioid drugs/medications.
Correct Answer: oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone
(Vicodin), morphine, methadone, fentanyl, heroin.
Describe the hypoxic drive.
3
