FISDAP Airway Equipment and
Procedures Examination Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. Before using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device on a patient, which
equipment check is most important?
A. Confirm that the carrying case is clean
B. Verify that the oxygen cylinder is full
C. Ensure the mask, bag, valve, and oxygen reservoir are intact and
functioning
D. Confirm that the stethoscope is working
Answer: Ensure the mask, bag, valve, and oxygen reservoir are
intact and functioning
Rationale: A BVM is a critical ventilation device, so each component
must be inspected before patient contact. A damaged mask can prevent
an adequate seal, a malfunctioning valve can interfere with
ventilation, and a disconnected or damaged reservoir can reduce
delivered oxygen concentration. Equipment readiness should be
established before an airway emergency occurs.
2. Which airway device is most appropriate for maintaining a patent
airway in an unconscious patient who has no gag reflex?
A. Nasopharyngeal airway
B. Oropharyngeal airway
,C. Nasal cannula
D. Nonrebreather mask
Answer: Oropharyngeal airway
Rationale: An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is designed for an
unresponsive patient without an intact gag reflex. It helps prevent the
tongue from obstructing the pharynx. An OPA should not be inserted
into a conscious or semiconscious patient with an intact gag reflex
because it may cause gagging, vomiting, or aspiration.
3. When selecting an OPA, which measurement is commonly used?
A. From the chin to the sternum
B. From the nose to the tragus
C. From the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw
D. From the corner of the mouth to the angle of the mandible
Answer: From the corner of the mouth to the angle of the mandible
Rationale: OPA sizing is commonly estimated by measuring from the
corner of the patient's mouth to the angle of the mandible. Another
practical method is comparing the airway with the distance from the
patient's mouth to the earlobe. Correct sizing helps position the device
so it can keep the tongue away from the posterior pharynx without
unnecessarily traumatizing airway structures.
4. Which finding is a contraindication to inserting an OPA?
A. Snoring respirations in an unresponsive patient
B. Absent gag reflex
C. Need for assisted ventilation
D. An intact gag reflex
Answer: An intact gag reflex
,Rationale: An intact gag reflex indicates that the patient may respond
strongly to an OPA. Insertion can trigger gagging, vomiting, and
possible aspiration. Patients who are conscious or semiconscious and
retain protective airway reflexes generally require another airway-
support strategy.
5. What is the primary purpose of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)?
A. Deliver a fixed concentration of oxygen
B. Provide a passage through the nose that helps maintain airway
patency
C. Remove secretions from the lower airway
D. Replace mechanical ventilation
Answer: Provide a passage through the nose that helps maintain
airway patency
Rationale: An NPA is a flexible airway adjunct that passes through the
nasal passage into the pharynx. It can help maintain airway patency in
patients who may not tolerate an OPA. It does not itself provide
oxygen, remove lower-airway secretions, or replace ventilatory
support.
6. Which lubricant is appropriate when preparing an NPA for
insertion?
A. Petroleum jelly
B. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
C. A water-soluble lubricant
D. Antibiotic ointment containing petroleum
Answer: A water-soluble lubricant
Rationale: A water-soluble lubricant reduces friction and facilitates
NPA insertion. Petroleum-based products are generally avoided
, because they can damage certain airway-device materials and may
present aspiration-related concerns. Lubrication should be applied
appropriately without obstructing the airway opening.
7. Which patient is generally the best candidate for an NPA?
A. A patient with severe midface trauma
B. A patient with suspected basilar skull fracture
C. An apneic patient with no spontaneous circulation
D. A semiconscious patient with an intact gag reflex who needs
airway support
Answer: A semiconscious patient with an intact gag reflex who needs
airway support
Rationale: An NPA can often be tolerated by a patient who has an
intact gag reflex and cannot tolerate an OPA. It is inserted through the
nose and can help maintain a patent upper airway. Significant nasal
trauma and suspected basilar skull fracture are important situations in
which an NPA may be contraindicated or avoided according to
applicable protocols.
8. When suctioning an adult patient's airway with a rigid tonsil-tip
catheter, which technique is appropriate?
A. Apply suction continuously while inserting the catheter
B. Insert without suction and apply suction while withdrawing
C. Insert the catheter deeply into the trachea
D. Apply suction only after removing the catheter
Answer: Insert without suction and apply suction while withdrawing
Rationale: Suctioning should generally be performed while
withdrawing the catheter rather than while advancing it. This reduces
unnecessary trauma and allows secretions to be removed during
Procedures Examination Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. Before using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device on a patient, which
equipment check is most important?
A. Confirm that the carrying case is clean
B. Verify that the oxygen cylinder is full
C. Ensure the mask, bag, valve, and oxygen reservoir are intact and
functioning
D. Confirm that the stethoscope is working
Answer: Ensure the mask, bag, valve, and oxygen reservoir are
intact and functioning
Rationale: A BVM is a critical ventilation device, so each component
must be inspected before patient contact. A damaged mask can prevent
an adequate seal, a malfunctioning valve can interfere with
ventilation, and a disconnected or damaged reservoir can reduce
delivered oxygen concentration. Equipment readiness should be
established before an airway emergency occurs.
2. Which airway device is most appropriate for maintaining a patent
airway in an unconscious patient who has no gag reflex?
A. Nasopharyngeal airway
B. Oropharyngeal airway
,C. Nasal cannula
D. Nonrebreather mask
Answer: Oropharyngeal airway
Rationale: An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is designed for an
unresponsive patient without an intact gag reflex. It helps prevent the
tongue from obstructing the pharynx. An OPA should not be inserted
into a conscious or semiconscious patient with an intact gag reflex
because it may cause gagging, vomiting, or aspiration.
3. When selecting an OPA, which measurement is commonly used?
A. From the chin to the sternum
B. From the nose to the tragus
C. From the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw
D. From the corner of the mouth to the angle of the mandible
Answer: From the corner of the mouth to the angle of the mandible
Rationale: OPA sizing is commonly estimated by measuring from the
corner of the patient's mouth to the angle of the mandible. Another
practical method is comparing the airway with the distance from the
patient's mouth to the earlobe. Correct sizing helps position the device
so it can keep the tongue away from the posterior pharynx without
unnecessarily traumatizing airway structures.
4. Which finding is a contraindication to inserting an OPA?
A. Snoring respirations in an unresponsive patient
B. Absent gag reflex
C. Need for assisted ventilation
D. An intact gag reflex
Answer: An intact gag reflex
,Rationale: An intact gag reflex indicates that the patient may respond
strongly to an OPA. Insertion can trigger gagging, vomiting, and
possible aspiration. Patients who are conscious or semiconscious and
retain protective airway reflexes generally require another airway-
support strategy.
5. What is the primary purpose of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)?
A. Deliver a fixed concentration of oxygen
B. Provide a passage through the nose that helps maintain airway
patency
C. Remove secretions from the lower airway
D. Replace mechanical ventilation
Answer: Provide a passage through the nose that helps maintain
airway patency
Rationale: An NPA is a flexible airway adjunct that passes through the
nasal passage into the pharynx. It can help maintain airway patency in
patients who may not tolerate an OPA. It does not itself provide
oxygen, remove lower-airway secretions, or replace ventilatory
support.
6. Which lubricant is appropriate when preparing an NPA for
insertion?
A. Petroleum jelly
B. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
C. A water-soluble lubricant
D. Antibiotic ointment containing petroleum
Answer: A water-soluble lubricant
Rationale: A water-soluble lubricant reduces friction and facilitates
NPA insertion. Petroleum-based products are generally avoided
, because they can damage certain airway-device materials and may
present aspiration-related concerns. Lubrication should be applied
appropriately without obstructing the airway opening.
7. Which patient is generally the best candidate for an NPA?
A. A patient with severe midface trauma
B. A patient with suspected basilar skull fracture
C. An apneic patient with no spontaneous circulation
D. A semiconscious patient with an intact gag reflex who needs
airway support
Answer: A semiconscious patient with an intact gag reflex who needs
airway support
Rationale: An NPA can often be tolerated by a patient who has an
intact gag reflex and cannot tolerate an OPA. It is inserted through the
nose and can help maintain a patent upper airway. Significant nasal
trauma and suspected basilar skull fracture are important situations in
which an NPA may be contraindicated or avoided according to
applicable protocols.
8. When suctioning an adult patient's airway with a rigid tonsil-tip
catheter, which technique is appropriate?
A. Apply suction continuously while inserting the catheter
B. Insert without suction and apply suction while withdrawing
C. Insert the catheter deeply into the trachea
D. Apply suction only after removing the catheter
Answer: Insert without suction and apply suction while withdrawing
Rationale: Suctioning should generally be performed while
withdrawing the catheter rather than while advancing it. This reduces
unnecessary trauma and allows secretions to be removed during
