FISDAP AIRWAY EXAM
2024 with correct detailed
answers
1. Explain the differences between ventilation, oxygenation, and
respiration.
Answer:
● Ventilation: The process of moving air in and out of the lungs. It involves the mechanics
of breathing, such as diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle movements.
● Oxygenation: The process of delivering oxygen to the blood and tissues. It relies on the
diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the pulmonary capillaries.
● Respiration: The overall exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the
atmosphere, blood, and tissues. This includes external respiration (in the lungs) and
internal respiration (at the cellular level).
2. What is the purpose of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring in
airway management?
Answer:
ETCO2 monitoring measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, providing
insights into:
● Ventilation adequacy: Low ETCO2 may indicate hyperventilation or poor perfusion.
● Circulation: Sudden drops in ETCO2 can signal cardiac arrest or hypovolemia.
● Tube placement: Verifies proper endotracheal tube placement during intubation.
3. Describe how to confirm proper placement of an endotracheal tube.
Answer:
● Visual confirmation: Direct visualization of the tube passing through the vocal cords.
, ● Auscultation: Bilateral breath sounds over the lungs and absence of gastric sounds.
● Capnography: A consistent waveform with a normal ETCO2 range (35–45 mmHg).
● Chest rise: Symmetrical chest rise with ventilation.
● Tube depth: Verify appropriate depth markings at the teeth or gums.
4. What are the steps for performing a rapid sequence intubation (RSI)?
Answer:
1. Preparation: Gather equipment and medications, pre-oxygenate the patient.
2. Pre-treatment: Administer premedications (e.g., lidocaine, atropine) if needed.
3. Paralysis and sedation: Use sedatives (e.g., etomidate) and paralytics (e.g.,
succinylcholine).
4. Intubation: Insert the endotracheal tube and confirm placement.
5. Post-intubation management: Secure the tube, ventilate the patient, and monitor.
5. Explain the indications and contraindications for using a supraglottic
airway device.
Answer:
● Indications:
○ Difficulty with endotracheal intubation.
○ Cardiac arrest requiring rapid airway control.
○ Rescue airway in failed intubation scenarios.
● Contraindications:
○ Obstructed airway (e.g., foreign body or tumor).
○ High aspiration risk (e.g., full stomach, vomiting).
○ Trismus or limited mouth opening.
6. Why is cricoid pressure used during intubation, and when should it be
avoided?
Answer:
● Purpose: To reduce the risk of aspiration by compressing the esophagus during
intubation. It also helps visualize the vocal cords.
● Avoidance: Do not use if it obstructs ventilation or visualization of the airway. It’s
controversial and not recommended in all cases due to variability in effectiveness.
2024 with correct detailed
answers
1. Explain the differences between ventilation, oxygenation, and
respiration.
Answer:
● Ventilation: The process of moving air in and out of the lungs. It involves the mechanics
of breathing, such as diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle movements.
● Oxygenation: The process of delivering oxygen to the blood and tissues. It relies on the
diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the pulmonary capillaries.
● Respiration: The overall exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the
atmosphere, blood, and tissues. This includes external respiration (in the lungs) and
internal respiration (at the cellular level).
2. What is the purpose of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring in
airway management?
Answer:
ETCO2 monitoring measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, providing
insights into:
● Ventilation adequacy: Low ETCO2 may indicate hyperventilation or poor perfusion.
● Circulation: Sudden drops in ETCO2 can signal cardiac arrest or hypovolemia.
● Tube placement: Verifies proper endotracheal tube placement during intubation.
3. Describe how to confirm proper placement of an endotracheal tube.
Answer:
● Visual confirmation: Direct visualization of the tube passing through the vocal cords.
, ● Auscultation: Bilateral breath sounds over the lungs and absence of gastric sounds.
● Capnography: A consistent waveform with a normal ETCO2 range (35–45 mmHg).
● Chest rise: Symmetrical chest rise with ventilation.
● Tube depth: Verify appropriate depth markings at the teeth or gums.
4. What are the steps for performing a rapid sequence intubation (RSI)?
Answer:
1. Preparation: Gather equipment and medications, pre-oxygenate the patient.
2. Pre-treatment: Administer premedications (e.g., lidocaine, atropine) if needed.
3. Paralysis and sedation: Use sedatives (e.g., etomidate) and paralytics (e.g.,
succinylcholine).
4. Intubation: Insert the endotracheal tube and confirm placement.
5. Post-intubation management: Secure the tube, ventilate the patient, and monitor.
5. Explain the indications and contraindications for using a supraglottic
airway device.
Answer:
● Indications:
○ Difficulty with endotracheal intubation.
○ Cardiac arrest requiring rapid airway control.
○ Rescue airway in failed intubation scenarios.
● Contraindications:
○ Obstructed airway (e.g., foreign body or tumor).
○ High aspiration risk (e.g., full stomach, vomiting).
○ Trismus or limited mouth opening.
6. Why is cricoid pressure used during intubation, and when should it be
avoided?
Answer:
● Purpose: To reduce the risk of aspiration by compressing the esophagus during
intubation. It also helps visualize the vocal cords.
● Avoidance: Do not use if it obstructs ventilation or visualization of the airway. It’s
controversial and not recommended in all cases due to variability in effectiveness.
