EMT FISDAP EXAM 1 2026/27
AIRWAY QUESTIONS ANS ANSWERS
(GRADED A+)
Who is COPD commonly found in? - ANSWER-COPD is most commonly a problem
of middle-aged or older patients. This is because these disorders ordinarily take time
to develop as tissues in the respiratory tract react to irritants.
What causes COPD - ANSWER-Cigarette smoking causes the overwhelming
majority of cases of COPD. Occasionally, other irritants such as chemicals, air
pollutants, or repeated infections cause this condition.
What happens to the body with chronic bronchitis? - ANSWER-In chronic bronchitis,
the bronchiole lining is inflamed and excess mucus is formed. The cells in the
bronchioles that normally clear away accumulations of mucus are not able to do so.
The sweeping apparatus on these cells, the cilia, has been damaged or destroyed.
What happens to the lungs with emphysema? - ANSWER-In emphysema, the walls
of the alveoli break down, greatly reducing the surface area for respiratory exchange.
The lungs begin to lose elasticity. These factors combine to allow stale air laden with
carbon dioxide to be trapped in the lungs, reducing the effectiveness of normal
breathing efforts.
Inhaler medications: - ANSWER-Examples of these medications include albuterol
(Ventolin® HFA, Proventil®, Volmax®) and levalbuterol (Xopenex®).
What are wheezes - ANSWER-Wheezes are high-pitched sounds that will seem
almost musical in nature. The sound is created by air moving through narrowed air
passages in the lungs. It can be heard in a variety of diseases but is common in
asthma and sometimes in chronic obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema
and chronic bronchitis. Wheezing is most commonly heard during expiration.
What type of lung sounds do you expect to hear with an emphysema patient? -
ANSWER-Wheezes are high-pitched sounds that will seem almost musical in nature.
The sound is created by air moving through narrowed air passages in the lungs. It
can be heard in a variety of diseases but is common in asthma and sometimes in
chronic obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Wheezing is most commonly heard during expiration.
What are crackles? - ANSWER-Crackles are (as the name indicates) a fine crackling
or bubbling sound heard on inspiration in the lower airway. The sound is caused by
fluid in the alveoli or by the opening of closed alveoli. Some people refer to crackles
as rales.
, Why does a COPD patient call 911 typically? - ANSWER-Usually the reason a
COPD patient calls the ambulance is that a recent upper respiratory infection has
caused an acute worsening of chronic disease.
What can cause an asthma attack? - ANSWER-Attacks can be precipitated by insect
stings, air pollutants, infection, strenuous exercise, or emotional stress.
What happens to the body during an asthma attack? - ANSWER-When an asthma
attack occurs, the small bronchioles that lead to the air sacs of the lungs become
narrowed because of contractions of the muscles that make up the airway. To
complicate matters, there is an overproduction of thick mucus.
Albuterol: - ANSWER-a medication that dilates the bronchial passageways by
engaging beta receptors associated with the sympathetic nervous system. It is
relatively fast-acting and is generally the first line of therapy in a bronchoconstricted
patient.
Ipratopium Bromide: - ANSWER-a bronchodilator that accomplishes its goal by
blocking bronchoconstriction associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. It
is an anticholinergic medication. Ipratropium has a slower onset compared with
albuterol, and also lasts longer.
DuoNeb™: - ANSWER-a formulation that combines both albuterol and ipratropium
bromide. It therefore provides bronchodilation through beta stimulation and by
blocking parasympathetic bronchoconstriction. This mix of medication is often used
as a first-line agent to treat bronchoconstriction.
Neb/Inhaler side effects - ANSWER-Patients may experience an increased pulse
rate, tremors, nervousness, or a "jittery" feeling.
What are rhonchi? - ANSWER-Rhonchi are lower-pitched sounds that resemble
snoring or rattling. They are caused by secretions in larger airways, as might be
seen with pneumonia or bronchitis, or when materials are aspirated (breathed) into
the lungs. The difference between crackles and rhonchi is not always obvious and is
somewhat subjective. However, rhonchi generally are louder than crackles.
What is stridor? - ANSWER-Stridor is a high-pitched sound that is heard on
inspiration. It is an upper airway sound indicating partial obstruction of the trachea or
larynx. Stridor is usually audible without a stethoscope.
emphysema SIGNS AND symptums - ANSWER-Frequent coughing or wheezing
A cough that produces a lot mucus
Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe
Tightness in your chest
Some people with emphysema get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and
the flu. In severe cases, emphysema can cause weight loss, weakness in your lower
muscles, and swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs.
AIRWAY QUESTIONS ANS ANSWERS
(GRADED A+)
Who is COPD commonly found in? - ANSWER-COPD is most commonly a problem
of middle-aged or older patients. This is because these disorders ordinarily take time
to develop as tissues in the respiratory tract react to irritants.
What causes COPD - ANSWER-Cigarette smoking causes the overwhelming
majority of cases of COPD. Occasionally, other irritants such as chemicals, air
pollutants, or repeated infections cause this condition.
What happens to the body with chronic bronchitis? - ANSWER-In chronic bronchitis,
the bronchiole lining is inflamed and excess mucus is formed. The cells in the
bronchioles that normally clear away accumulations of mucus are not able to do so.
The sweeping apparatus on these cells, the cilia, has been damaged or destroyed.
What happens to the lungs with emphysema? - ANSWER-In emphysema, the walls
of the alveoli break down, greatly reducing the surface area for respiratory exchange.
The lungs begin to lose elasticity. These factors combine to allow stale air laden with
carbon dioxide to be trapped in the lungs, reducing the effectiveness of normal
breathing efforts.
Inhaler medications: - ANSWER-Examples of these medications include albuterol
(Ventolin® HFA, Proventil®, Volmax®) and levalbuterol (Xopenex®).
What are wheezes - ANSWER-Wheezes are high-pitched sounds that will seem
almost musical in nature. The sound is created by air moving through narrowed air
passages in the lungs. It can be heard in a variety of diseases but is common in
asthma and sometimes in chronic obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema
and chronic bronchitis. Wheezing is most commonly heard during expiration.
What type of lung sounds do you expect to hear with an emphysema patient? -
ANSWER-Wheezes are high-pitched sounds that will seem almost musical in nature.
The sound is created by air moving through narrowed air passages in the lungs. It
can be heard in a variety of diseases but is common in asthma and sometimes in
chronic obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Wheezing is most commonly heard during expiration.
What are crackles? - ANSWER-Crackles are (as the name indicates) a fine crackling
or bubbling sound heard on inspiration in the lower airway. The sound is caused by
fluid in the alveoli or by the opening of closed alveoli. Some people refer to crackles
as rales.
, Why does a COPD patient call 911 typically? - ANSWER-Usually the reason a
COPD patient calls the ambulance is that a recent upper respiratory infection has
caused an acute worsening of chronic disease.
What can cause an asthma attack? - ANSWER-Attacks can be precipitated by insect
stings, air pollutants, infection, strenuous exercise, or emotional stress.
What happens to the body during an asthma attack? - ANSWER-When an asthma
attack occurs, the small bronchioles that lead to the air sacs of the lungs become
narrowed because of contractions of the muscles that make up the airway. To
complicate matters, there is an overproduction of thick mucus.
Albuterol: - ANSWER-a medication that dilates the bronchial passageways by
engaging beta receptors associated with the sympathetic nervous system. It is
relatively fast-acting and is generally the first line of therapy in a bronchoconstricted
patient.
Ipratopium Bromide: - ANSWER-a bronchodilator that accomplishes its goal by
blocking bronchoconstriction associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. It
is an anticholinergic medication. Ipratropium has a slower onset compared with
albuterol, and also lasts longer.
DuoNeb™: - ANSWER-a formulation that combines both albuterol and ipratropium
bromide. It therefore provides bronchodilation through beta stimulation and by
blocking parasympathetic bronchoconstriction. This mix of medication is often used
as a first-line agent to treat bronchoconstriction.
Neb/Inhaler side effects - ANSWER-Patients may experience an increased pulse
rate, tremors, nervousness, or a "jittery" feeling.
What are rhonchi? - ANSWER-Rhonchi are lower-pitched sounds that resemble
snoring or rattling. They are caused by secretions in larger airways, as might be
seen with pneumonia or bronchitis, or when materials are aspirated (breathed) into
the lungs. The difference between crackles and rhonchi is not always obvious and is
somewhat subjective. However, rhonchi generally are louder than crackles.
What is stridor? - ANSWER-Stridor is a high-pitched sound that is heard on
inspiration. It is an upper airway sound indicating partial obstruction of the trachea or
larynx. Stridor is usually audible without a stethoscope.
emphysema SIGNS AND symptums - ANSWER-Frequent coughing or wheezing
A cough that produces a lot mucus
Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe
Tightness in your chest
Some people with emphysema get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and
the flu. In severe cases, emphysema can cause weight loss, weakness in your lower
muscles, and swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs.
