Paramedic Airway Exam 2026 Questions
and Answers
How does the body initially compensate for a decrease in cardiac output? - Correct
answer-Increasing the systemic vascular resistance
How would you position a bariatric patient? - Correct answer-Use Fowler's or
semi-Fowler's position if respiratory distress is present, ensuring comfort and
maintaining airway. Utilize additional resources as needed for safety.
A higher pH is more acidic or basic? - Correct answer-A higher pH is more basic
(or alkalotic)
A lower pH is more acidic or basic? - Correct answer-A lower pH is more acidic
Describe the procedure for performing pleural decompression. - Correct answer-1.
Identify the second intercostal space at the midclavicular line. 2. Prep the area with
antiseptic. 3. Administer local anesthesia. 4. Insert a large-bore needle or catheter
over-the-needle into the pleural space. 5. Aspirate air or fluid to relieve pressure. 6.
Secure the catheter and dress the wound. 7. Confirm placement with chest X-ray
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,Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient requiring pleural decompression. -
Correct answer-Severe dyspnea, decreased breath sounds on affected side, tracheal
deviation away from affected side, hypoxia, cyanosis, increased respiratory effort,
and jugular venous distension
How do we evaluate effective bag-mask valve ventilations? - Correct answer-
Observe chest rise and fall, listen for bilateral breath sounds, monitor for
improvement in patient's color and oxygen saturation, and ensure the absence of
gastric distension
How do we evaluate the adequacy of respirations? - Correct answer-Assess
respiratory rate, depth, and rhythm; use pulse oximetry to check oxygen saturation;
observe chest wall movement; and listen to breath sounds for adequacy of air
exchange
How do we treat a patient who has ingested a toxic substance? - Correct answer-
Assess ABCs, administer activated charcoal if appropriate, provide supportive
care, possibly perform gastric lavage if within 1 hour of ingestion and indicated,
and contact poison control for specific advice
How do we treat a patient with a tracheostomy tube? - Correct answer-Ensure
patency of the tube, suction as needed, provide humidified oxygen if required,
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, monitor for signs of infection or obstruction, and replace the tube as per protocol if
dislodged
How long should your intubation attempt be (i.e. blade in the mouth) - Correct
answer-30 seconds
If a patient is still wheezing after receiving an albuterol nebulizer, should you give
them more albuterol? - Correct answer-Yes and also considering adding Atrovent
(ipratroprium bromide) to the neb treatment (A&A neb)
If a piece of food on a choking victim cannot be dislodged during compressions,
what should you do? - Correct answer-Use your laryngoscope blade and Magill
forceps to attempt to locate and remove the obstruction
If pCO2 is higher than 45, is this a respiratory or metabolic cause (we are NOT
considering any compensation here)? - Correct answer-Respiratory
If pCO2 is less than 35, is this a respiratory or metabolic cause (we are NOT
considering any compensation here)? - Correct answer-Metabolic
If you cause bleeding during intubation, you should? - Correct answer-Suction
If you hear gurgling in the airway, you should? - Correct answer-Suction
Is a pCO2 greater than 45 acidic or basic? - Correct answer-Acidic
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and Answers
How does the body initially compensate for a decrease in cardiac output? - Correct
answer-Increasing the systemic vascular resistance
How would you position a bariatric patient? - Correct answer-Use Fowler's or
semi-Fowler's position if respiratory distress is present, ensuring comfort and
maintaining airway. Utilize additional resources as needed for safety.
A higher pH is more acidic or basic? - Correct answer-A higher pH is more basic
(or alkalotic)
A lower pH is more acidic or basic? - Correct answer-A lower pH is more acidic
Describe the procedure for performing pleural decompression. - Correct answer-1.
Identify the second intercostal space at the midclavicular line. 2. Prep the area with
antiseptic. 3. Administer local anesthesia. 4. Insert a large-bore needle or catheter
over-the-needle into the pleural space. 5. Aspirate air or fluid to relieve pressure. 6.
Secure the catheter and dress the wound. 7. Confirm placement with chest X-ray
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient requiring pleural decompression. -
Correct answer-Severe dyspnea, decreased breath sounds on affected side, tracheal
deviation away from affected side, hypoxia, cyanosis, increased respiratory effort,
and jugular venous distension
How do we evaluate effective bag-mask valve ventilations? - Correct answer-
Observe chest rise and fall, listen for bilateral breath sounds, monitor for
improvement in patient's color and oxygen saturation, and ensure the absence of
gastric distension
How do we evaluate the adequacy of respirations? - Correct answer-Assess
respiratory rate, depth, and rhythm; use pulse oximetry to check oxygen saturation;
observe chest wall movement; and listen to breath sounds for adequacy of air
exchange
How do we treat a patient who has ingested a toxic substance? - Correct answer-
Assess ABCs, administer activated charcoal if appropriate, provide supportive
care, possibly perform gastric lavage if within 1 hour of ingestion and indicated,
and contact poison control for specific advice
How do we treat a patient with a tracheostomy tube? - Correct answer-Ensure
patency of the tube, suction as needed, provide humidified oxygen if required,
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, monitor for signs of infection or obstruction, and replace the tube as per protocol if
dislodged
How long should your intubation attempt be (i.e. blade in the mouth) - Correct
answer-30 seconds
If a patient is still wheezing after receiving an albuterol nebulizer, should you give
them more albuterol? - Correct answer-Yes and also considering adding Atrovent
(ipratroprium bromide) to the neb treatment (A&A neb)
If a piece of food on a choking victim cannot be dislodged during compressions,
what should you do? - Correct answer-Use your laryngoscope blade and Magill
forceps to attempt to locate and remove the obstruction
If pCO2 is higher than 45, is this a respiratory or metabolic cause (we are NOT
considering any compensation here)? - Correct answer-Respiratory
If pCO2 is less than 35, is this a respiratory or metabolic cause (we are NOT
considering any compensation here)? - Correct answer-Metabolic
If you cause bleeding during intubation, you should? - Correct answer-Suction
If you hear gurgling in the airway, you should? - Correct answer-Suction
Is a pCO2 greater than 45 acidic or basic? - Correct answer-Acidic
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
