Paramedic Airway Exam Practice Questions and Answers

Paramedic Airway Exam Practice Questions and Answers How does the body initially compensate for a decrease in cardiac output? - Answer- Increasing the systemic vascular resistance How would you position a bariatric patient? - 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? - Answer-A higher pH is more basic (or alkalotic) A lower pH is more acidic or basic? - Answer-A lower pH is more acidic Describe the procedure for performing pleural decompression. - 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 catheter and dress the wound. 7. Confirm placement with chest X-ray GRACEAMELIA 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR ©2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER, 2024 Page 2/17 Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient requiring pleural decompression. - 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? - 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? - 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? - 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? - 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) - Answer-30 seconds GRACEAMELIA 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR ©2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER, 2024 Page 3/17 If a patient is still wheezing after receiving an albuterol nebulizer, should you give them more albuterol? - 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? - 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)? - Answer-Respiratory If pCO2 is less than 35, is this a respiratory or metabolic cause (we are NOT considering any compensation here)? - Answer-Metabolic If you cause bleeding during intubation, you should? - Answer-Suction If you hear gurgling in the airway, you should? - Answer-Suction Is a pCO2 greater than 45 acidic or basic? - Answer-Acidic Is a pCO2 less than 35 acidic or basic? - Answer-Basic Name several opioid drugs/medications. - Answer-oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, methadone, fentanyl, heroin. GRACEAMELIA 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR ©2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER, 2024 Page 4/17 Describe the hypoxic drive. - Answer-A respiratory drive where the primary stimulus for breathing is low oxygen levels in the blood, typically seen in patients with chronic CO2 retention, such as those with advanced COPD What acid-base disturbance does hyperventilation cause? - Answer-Respiratory alkalosis What are some pre-existing conditions that pose a threat to a patient? - Answer-Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, diabetes, immunocompromised states, renal failure, and severe allergies What are the areas of a normal ETCO2 waveform? - Answer-Baseline (represents no CO2), ascending phase (expiratory upstroke), alveolar plateau (end-tidal C