AIR METHODS CRITICAL CARE EXAM
QUESTIONS & SOLUTIONS 2026
,
, Air Methods Critical Care exam
1. What is the most reliable method of confirming and montioring correct
placement of an ET tube?: Continuous waveform capnography
2. The upper airway consists of...: Nose, Mouth, Jaw, Oral Cavity, Pharynx, and
Larynx
3. No gas exchange occurs here , it's called .: Nose
to terminal bronchioles, anatomical dead space. (2ml/kg of inspired tidal volume)
They conduct airflow towards gas exchange units.
4. Crycothyroid membrane: between thyroid and cricoid, avascular structure that
connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilage. Site of CRiCOTHYROTOMY- an emer-
gency opening of the airway.
5. A PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg indicates: A. Metabolic acidosis.
B. Metabolic alkalosis.
, C. Respiratory acidosis.
D. Respiratory alkalosis.: C. Respiratory acidosis
6. PaCO2 normal range: 35-45 mm Hg Less than 35 likely means hyperventilation
7. Tracheal deviation AWAY from the affected side, decreased breath sounds,
and hyperresonance... What's happening?: Tension pneumothorax
8. In a tension pneumothorax tracheal deviation goes in what direction?: -
AWAY from affected side.
9. Normal mean pulmonary artery pressure: 10-20 mmHg
10. Pulmonary hypertension is a mean PA pressure greater than...: (PAm)
greater than 20
11. Primary pulmonary hypertension: Idiopathic genetic disorder caused by ab-
normal structure of the pulmonary blood vessels
12. Name three causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension..: 1. Passive
PH- the result of back pressure. Mitral Stenosis, LV systolic failure.
QUESTIONS & SOLUTIONS 2026
,
, Air Methods Critical Care exam
1. What is the most reliable method of confirming and montioring correct
placement of an ET tube?: Continuous waveform capnography
2. The upper airway consists of...: Nose, Mouth, Jaw, Oral Cavity, Pharynx, and
Larynx
3. No gas exchange occurs here , it's called .: Nose
to terminal bronchioles, anatomical dead space. (2ml/kg of inspired tidal volume)
They conduct airflow towards gas exchange units.
4. Crycothyroid membrane: between thyroid and cricoid, avascular structure that
connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilage. Site of CRiCOTHYROTOMY- an emer-
gency opening of the airway.
5. A PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg indicates: A. Metabolic acidosis.
B. Metabolic alkalosis.
, C. Respiratory acidosis.
D. Respiratory alkalosis.: C. Respiratory acidosis
6. PaCO2 normal range: 35-45 mm Hg Less than 35 likely means hyperventilation
7. Tracheal deviation AWAY from the affected side, decreased breath sounds,
and hyperresonance... What's happening?: Tension pneumothorax
8. In a tension pneumothorax tracheal deviation goes in what direction?: -
AWAY from affected side.
9. Normal mean pulmonary artery pressure: 10-20 mmHg
10. Pulmonary hypertension is a mean PA pressure greater than...: (PAm)
greater than 20
11. Primary pulmonary hypertension: Idiopathic genetic disorder caused by ab-
normal structure of the pulmonary blood vessels
12. Name three causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension..: 1. Passive
PH- the result of back pressure. Mitral Stenosis, LV systolic failure.
