Air Methods Critical Care Exam (2026) – 199 Questions
and Verified Answers
What is the most reliable method of confirming and montioring correct
placement of an ET tube?
Continuous waveform capnography
The upper airway consists of...
Nose, Mouth, Jaw, Oral Cavity, Pharynx, and Larynx
No gas exchange occurs here __________, it's called ____________.
Nose to terminal bronchioles, anatomical dead space. (2ml/kg of
inspired tidal volume) They conduct airflow towards gas exchange units.
Crycothyroid membrane
between thyroid and cricoid, avascular structure that connects the
thyroid and cricoid cartilage. Site of CRiCOTHYROTOMY- an
emergency opening of the airway.
A PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg indicates:
A. Metabolic acidosis.
B. Metabolic alkalosis.
, Air Methods Critical Care Exam (2026) – 199 Questions
and Verified Answers
C. Respiratory acidosis.
D. Respiratory alkalosis.
C. Respiratory acidosis
PaCO2 normal range
35-45 mm Hg Less than 35 likely means hyperventilation
Tracheal deviation AWAY from the affected side, decreased breath
sounds, and hyperresonance... What's happening?
Tension pneumothorax
In a tension pneumothorax tracheal deviation goes in what direction?
AWAY from affected side.
Normal mean pulmonary artery pressure
10-20 mmHg
, Air Methods Critical Care Exam (2026) – 199 Questions
and Verified Answers
Pulmonary hypertension is a mean PA pressure greater than...
(PAm) greater than 20
Primary pulmonary hypertension
Idiopathic genetic disorder caused by abnormal structure of the
pulmonary blood vessels
Name three causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension..
1. Passive PH- the result of back pressure. Mitral Stenosis, LV systolic
failure.
2. Active PH- Constriction of the pulmonary circuit Increased volume in
pulmonary circuit (i.e. congenital heart disease)
3. Obstruction as in Chronic recurrent PE
TNP of the Pregnant patient
Resuscitation priorities are the same. The best way to take care of the
baby is to take care of mama
, Air Methods Critical Care Exam (2026) – 199 Questions
and Verified Answers
Mechanisms of injury and biomechanics the most common cause of
maternal injury is...
Blunt trauma caused by MVC. Second is BT caused by falls, 3rd is
violence
fetal distress is an early sign of maternal distress... Why?
Catecholamine mediated vasoconstriction resulting from blood loss
shunts blood away from the fetus to the mom.
Fetal hypo perfusion is evidenced by....
Fetal tachycardia (140 to 160+) and fetal bradycardia
The FRC in a pregnant patient is....
Reduced by the gravid uterus lifting the diaphragm.
chest tube placement in a pregnant patient is 1-2 spaces higher
Because of the lifted diaphragm
and Verified Answers
What is the most reliable method of confirming and montioring correct
placement of an ET tube?
Continuous waveform capnography
The upper airway consists of...
Nose, Mouth, Jaw, Oral Cavity, Pharynx, and Larynx
No gas exchange occurs here __________, it's called ____________.
Nose to terminal bronchioles, anatomical dead space. (2ml/kg of
inspired tidal volume) They conduct airflow towards gas exchange units.
Crycothyroid membrane
between thyroid and cricoid, avascular structure that connects the
thyroid and cricoid cartilage. Site of CRiCOTHYROTOMY- an
emergency opening of the airway.
A PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg indicates:
A. Metabolic acidosis.
B. Metabolic alkalosis.
, Air Methods Critical Care Exam (2026) – 199 Questions
and Verified Answers
C. Respiratory acidosis.
D. Respiratory alkalosis.
C. Respiratory acidosis
PaCO2 normal range
35-45 mm Hg Less than 35 likely means hyperventilation
Tracheal deviation AWAY from the affected side, decreased breath
sounds, and hyperresonance... What's happening?
Tension pneumothorax
In a tension pneumothorax tracheal deviation goes in what direction?
AWAY from affected side.
Normal mean pulmonary artery pressure
10-20 mmHg
, Air Methods Critical Care Exam (2026) – 199 Questions
and Verified Answers
Pulmonary hypertension is a mean PA pressure greater than...
(PAm) greater than 20
Primary pulmonary hypertension
Idiopathic genetic disorder caused by abnormal structure of the
pulmonary blood vessels
Name three causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension..
1. Passive PH- the result of back pressure. Mitral Stenosis, LV systolic
failure.
2. Active PH- Constriction of the pulmonary circuit Increased volume in
pulmonary circuit (i.e. congenital heart disease)
3. Obstruction as in Chronic recurrent PE
TNP of the Pregnant patient
Resuscitation priorities are the same. The best way to take care of the
baby is to take care of mama
, Air Methods Critical Care Exam (2026) – 199 Questions
and Verified Answers
Mechanisms of injury and biomechanics the most common cause of
maternal injury is...
Blunt trauma caused by MVC. Second is BT caused by falls, 3rd is
violence
fetal distress is an early sign of maternal distress... Why?
Catecholamine mediated vasoconstriction resulting from blood loss
shunts blood away from the fetus to the mom.
Fetal hypo perfusion is evidenced by....
Fetal tachycardia (140 to 160+) and fetal bradycardia
The FRC in a pregnant patient is....
Reduced by the gravid uterus lifting the diaphragm.
chest tube placement in a pregnant patient is 1-2 spaces higher
Because of the lifted diaphragm
