Airway Management
Exam 4 Questions &
Answers
What features are incorporated into most modern endotracheal tubes to assist in verifying
proper tube placement? - ANSWERSimbedded radioplaque markings in the distal end of the
tube body
What should be the maximum time devoted to any intubation attempt? - ANSWERS30 seconds
Ideally, the distal tip of a properly positioned endotracheal tube (in an adult man) should be
positioned about how far above the carina? - ANSWERS3-6 cm
What is the average distance from the tip of a properly positioned oral endotracheal tube to the
incisors of an adult man? - ANSWERS23 cm
After an intubation attempt, an expired capnogram indicates a CO2 level near zero. What does
this finding probably indicate? - ANSWERSplacement of the ETT in the esophagus
A patient suddenly loses consciousness while waiting in the reception area fo the hospital. To
maintain an open airway in the patient, what is the first step the medical team should take? -
ANSWERSApply the head tilt/chin lift maneuver
What is the primary indication for tracheotomy? - ANSWERSprolonged mechanical ventilation
A patient has a class IV difficult airway based on structures visible on direct laryngoscopy. What
does this mean? - ANSWERSthe epiglottis is not visible
, What does a positive cuff leak test indicate? - ANSWERSThe patient is at minimal risk for upper
airway obstruction.
Which type of equipment is used most frequently to perform oral tracheal intubation? -
ANSWERSlaryngoscope
An adult man on ventilatory support has just been intubated with a 6 mm oral endotracheal
tube equipped with a high residual volume, low pressure cuff. When sealing the cuff to achieve
a minimal occluding volume, you note. a cuff pressure of 45 cm H2O. What is the most likely
problem? - ANSWERSthe ETT is too small
Which fo the following criteria are considered before extubating a patient? - ANSWERSability to
clear secretions
ability to protect the lower airway from aspiration
nature of secretions
ability to prevent upper airway obstructions
Blood flow to the tracheal mucosa will become compromised at endotracheal tube cuff
pressures greater than? - ANSWERS25 mmHg
why is using the leak test as a means of determining whether a patient is ready to be extubated
controversial? - ANSWERSthere are too many false positives and false negatives
A newly intubated patient is assessed with a color-changing CO2 detection device. The presence
of CO2 is confirmed as is moisture on exhalation. However, auscultation reveals only breath
sounds on the right side. The most appropriate step at this time is to? - ANSWERSwithdraw the
ETT, it is in the right main stem.
Exam 4 Questions &
Answers
What features are incorporated into most modern endotracheal tubes to assist in verifying
proper tube placement? - ANSWERSimbedded radioplaque markings in the distal end of the
tube body
What should be the maximum time devoted to any intubation attempt? - ANSWERS30 seconds
Ideally, the distal tip of a properly positioned endotracheal tube (in an adult man) should be
positioned about how far above the carina? - ANSWERS3-6 cm
What is the average distance from the tip of a properly positioned oral endotracheal tube to the
incisors of an adult man? - ANSWERS23 cm
After an intubation attempt, an expired capnogram indicates a CO2 level near zero. What does
this finding probably indicate? - ANSWERSplacement of the ETT in the esophagus
A patient suddenly loses consciousness while waiting in the reception area fo the hospital. To
maintain an open airway in the patient, what is the first step the medical team should take? -
ANSWERSApply the head tilt/chin lift maneuver
What is the primary indication for tracheotomy? - ANSWERSprolonged mechanical ventilation
A patient has a class IV difficult airway based on structures visible on direct laryngoscopy. What
does this mean? - ANSWERSthe epiglottis is not visible
, What does a positive cuff leak test indicate? - ANSWERSThe patient is at minimal risk for upper
airway obstruction.
Which type of equipment is used most frequently to perform oral tracheal intubation? -
ANSWERSlaryngoscope
An adult man on ventilatory support has just been intubated with a 6 mm oral endotracheal
tube equipped with a high residual volume, low pressure cuff. When sealing the cuff to achieve
a minimal occluding volume, you note. a cuff pressure of 45 cm H2O. What is the most likely
problem? - ANSWERSthe ETT is too small
Which fo the following criteria are considered before extubating a patient? - ANSWERSability to
clear secretions
ability to protect the lower airway from aspiration
nature of secretions
ability to prevent upper airway obstructions
Blood flow to the tracheal mucosa will become compromised at endotracheal tube cuff
pressures greater than? - ANSWERS25 mmHg
why is using the leak test as a means of determining whether a patient is ready to be extubated
controversial? - ANSWERSthere are too many false positives and false negatives
A newly intubated patient is assessed with a color-changing CO2 detection device. The presence
of CO2 is confirmed as is moisture on exhalation. However, auscultation reveals only breath
sounds on the right side. The most appropriate step at this time is to? - ANSWERSwithdraw the
ETT, it is in the right main stem.
