EMT 110 Airway Exam Questions and
Answers
Hyperventilation - Answer-Rapid or deep breathing that lowers the blood carbon dioxide level below
normal; may lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, decreased venous return, and hypotension when
associated with BVM use.
Hypoxic Drive - Answer-A condition in which chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood stimulate the
respiratory drive; seen in patients with chronic lung diseases.
Tension Pneumothorax - Answer-An accumulation of air or gas in the pleural space that progressively
increases pressure in the chest that interferes with cardiac function with potentially fatal results.
Dyspnea - Answer-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Nocturnal Dyspnea - Answer-Shortness of breath; subjective difficulty breathing, appearing suddenly at
night, waking the patient preventing an hour or two of sleep.
Pathophysiology - COPD - Answer-Damage to the airways and tiny air sacs in the lungs. Symptoms
progress from a cough with mucus to difficulty breathing. The damage done by COPD can't be undone.
Adult Ventilation Rates and Adequate Volumes - Answer-12 - 20 breaths per minute; chest rise and falls
Answers
Hyperventilation - Answer-Rapid or deep breathing that lowers the blood carbon dioxide level below
normal; may lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, decreased venous return, and hypotension when
associated with BVM use.
Hypoxic Drive - Answer-A condition in which chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood stimulate the
respiratory drive; seen in patients with chronic lung diseases.
Tension Pneumothorax - Answer-An accumulation of air or gas in the pleural space that progressively
increases pressure in the chest that interferes with cardiac function with potentially fatal results.
Dyspnea - Answer-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Nocturnal Dyspnea - Answer-Shortness of breath; subjective difficulty breathing, appearing suddenly at
night, waking the patient preventing an hour or two of sleep.
Pathophysiology - COPD - Answer-Damage to the airways and tiny air sacs in the lungs. Symptoms
progress from a cough with mucus to difficulty breathing. The damage done by COPD can't be undone.
Adult Ventilation Rates and Adequate Volumes - Answer-12 - 20 breaths per minute; chest rise and falls
