Correct Answers | Updated 2025 | Guaranteed A+
Question 1
Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of correct endotracheal
tube (ETT) placement after intubation?
A) Auscultation of bilateral breath sounds.
B) Symmetrical chest rise.
C) Detection of end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) for at least 5-6 breaths.
D) Absence of gastric sounds.
E) Fogging in the ETT.
Correct Answer: C) Detection of end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) for at least 5-6
breaths.
Rationale: Continuous quantitative waveform capnography (ETCO2)
showing sustained CO2 waveforms for several breaths is considered
the most reliable method for confirming ETT placement, as it
directly confirms exhalation of CO2 from the lungs.
Question 2
What is the primary purpose of preoxygenation prior to rapid sequence
intubation (RSI)?
A) To completely fill the stomach with oxygen.
B) To prolong the safe apnea time by denitrogenating the lungs.
C) To decrease heart rate.
D) To prevent aspiration.
E) To reduce the need for paralytic agents.
Correct Answer: B) To prolong the safe apnea time by denitrogenating
the lungs.
Rationale: Preoxygenation washes out nitrogen from the lungs and
replaces it with oxygen, creating an oxygen reservoir that prolongs
the time a patient can tolerate apnea without desaturating.
Question 3
Which of the following is a contraindication for nasal intubation?
,A) Patient with a gag reflex.
B) Suspected basilar skull fracture.
C) Severe obesity.
D) Cervical spine instability.
E) Known difficult airway.
Correct Answer: B) Suspected basilar skull fracture.
Rationale: Nasal intubation is contraindicated in suspected basilar
skull fractures due to the risk of passing the ETT or other nasal
devices into the cranial vault.
Question 4
The "Cricoid Pressure" maneuver (Sellick's maneuver) is primarily used for
which purpose during intubation?
A) To facilitate visualization of the vocal cords.
B) To prevent gastric insufflation.
C) To compress the esophagus, reducing the risk of aspiration.
D) To stimulate vagal nerve response.
E) To relieve bronchospasm.
Correct Answer: C) To compress the esophagus, reducing the risk of
aspiration.
Rationale: Cricoid pressure is applied to compress the esophagus
against the vertebral column, theoretically occluding the esophagus
and preventing passive regurgitation and aspiration of gastric
contents during intubation. Its efficacy is debated in current
guidelines.
Question 5
What is the purpose of a stylet in an endotracheal tube?
A) To provide a cuff for sealing the airway.
B) To measure end-tidal CO2.
C) To provide rigidity and shape to the ETT, facilitating intubation.
D) To deliver oxygen directly to the lungs.
,E) To suction secretions from the airway.
Correct Answer: C) To provide rigidity and shape to the ETT,
facilitating intubation.
Rationale: A stylet is a malleable wire inserted into the ETT to give it
a curved shape, making it easier to maneuver the tube past the
vocal cords during intubation.
Question 6
Which medication class is used to induce paralysis during rapid sequence
intubation (RSI)?
A) Opioids
B) Benzodiazepines
C) Neuromuscular blocking agents
D) Vasopressors
E) Anticholinergics
Correct Answer: C) Neuromuscular blocking agents
Rationale: Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., succinylcholine,
rocuronium) cause muscle paralysis, facilitating intubation by
relaxing the vocal cords and preventing patient movement.
Question 7
What is the primary benefit of using a Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)?
A) It completely protects the airway from aspiration.
B) It provides definitive airway control as effectively as an ETT.
C) It is a supraglottic airway device that can be rapidly inserted as an
alternative to bag-mask ventilation or failed intubation.
D) It requires direct visualization of the vocal cords for insertion.
E) It can be left in place indefinitely.
Correct Answer: C) It is a supraglottic airway device that can be
rapidly inserted as an alternative to bag-mask ventilation or failed
intubation.
Rationale: LMAs are useful rescue airways because they are relatively
, easy and quick to insert without laryngoscopy, providing an
effective seal for ventilation in situations where intubation is
difficult or unsuccessful.
Question 8
When performing direct laryngoscopy, the tip of a curved blade (Macintosh)
is typically placed:
A) Into the trachea.
B) Directly on the epiglottis.
C) Into the vallecula.
D) In the esophagus.
E) On the posterior pharyngeal wall.
Correct Answer: C) Into the vallecula.
Rationale: A curved (Macintosh) blade is designed to be placed into
the vallecula (the space between the base of the tongue and the
epiglottis), indirectly lifting the epiglottis to expose the vocal cords.
Question 9
What is the most appropriate action if a patient's SpO2 drops significantly
during an intubation attempt?
A) Continue the intubation attempt rapidly.
B) Administer more paralytic agent.
C) Stop the attempt, resume bag-mask ventilation with 100% oxygen, and
reoxygenate the patient.
D) Increase the suctioning pressure.
E) Reposition the patient supine.
Correct Answer: C) Stop the attempt, resume bag-mask ventilation
with 100% oxygen, and reoxygenate the patient.
Rationale: Hypoxemia is a significant risk during intubation. If
desaturation occurs, the attempt should be aborted, and the patient
reoxygenated with bag-mask ventilation before another attempt is
made.