AIR METHODS CRITICAL CARE EXAM
Questions and Answers
1.What is the most reliable method of confirming and
monitoring correct placement of an ET tube?
Answer Continuous waveform capnography
2.The upper airway consists of...
Answer Nose, Mouth, Jaw, Oral Cavity, Pharynx, and Larynx
3.No gas exchange occurs here , it's called .
Answer Nose to terminal bronchioles, anatomical dead space. (2ml/kg
of inspired tidal volume) They conduct airflow towards gas exchange
units.
4.Crycothyroid membrane
Answer 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.
Answer C. Respiratory acidosis
6.PaCO2 normal range
Answer 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?
Answer Tension pneumothorax
8.In a tension pneumothorax tracheal deviation goes in what
direction?
Answer -
AWAY from affected side.
9.Normal mean pulmonary artery pressure
Answer 10-20 mmHg
10.Pulmonary hypertension is a mean PA pressure greater
than...
Answer (PAm) greater than 20
11.Primary pulmonary hypertension
Answer Idiopathic genetic disorder caused by ab- normal structure of
,the pulmonary blood vessels
12.Name three causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension..
Answer 1. Passive PH- the result of back pressure. Mitral Stenosis, LV
systolic failure.
2.Active PH- Constriction of the pulmonary circuit Increased volume in
pulmonary circuit (i.e. congenital heart disease)
3.Obstruction as in Chronic recurrent PE
13.TNP of the Pregnant patient
Answer Resuscitation priorities are the same. The best way to take
care of the baby is to take care of mama
14.Mechanisms of injury and biomechanics the most common
cause of ma- ternal injury is...
Answer Blunt trauma caused by MVC. Second is BT caused by falls, 3rd
is violence
15.fetal distress is an early sign of maternal distress... Why?
Answer Catecholamine mediated vasoconstriction resulting from
blood loss shunts blood away from the fetus to the mom.
16.Fetal hypo perfusion is evidenced by....
Answer Fetal tachycardia (140 to 160+) and fetal bradycardia
, 17.The FRC in a pregnant patient is....
Answer Reduced by the gravid uterus lifting the diaphragm.
18.chest tube placement in a pregnant patient is 1-2 spaces
higher
Answer Because of the lifted diaphragm
19.What is the cause of physiological anemia in pregnant
patients?
Answer Hemodili- tional anemia occurs. Plasma volume increases 30-
50%.
20.Preterm Labor (PTL)
Answer
21.abruptio placentae
Answer premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall
22.On a pregnant patient...
Answer Chest compressions must be higher on the sternum. Any preg
patient 20 weeks pregnant or more with a uterus above the umbilicus
should have the uterus left laterally displaced during compressions to
avoid aorto- caval compression. A 15 degree tilt of the long board or
lateral displacement.
23.What is the Maternal Fetal Triage Index?
Questions and Answers
1.What is the most reliable method of confirming and
monitoring correct placement of an ET tube?
Answer Continuous waveform capnography
2.The upper airway consists of...
Answer Nose, Mouth, Jaw, Oral Cavity, Pharynx, and Larynx
3.No gas exchange occurs here , it's called .
Answer Nose to terminal bronchioles, anatomical dead space. (2ml/kg
of inspired tidal volume) They conduct airflow towards gas exchange
units.
4.Crycothyroid membrane
Answer 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.
Answer C. Respiratory acidosis
6.PaCO2 normal range
Answer 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?
Answer Tension pneumothorax
8.In a tension pneumothorax tracheal deviation goes in what
direction?
Answer -
AWAY from affected side.
9.Normal mean pulmonary artery pressure
Answer 10-20 mmHg
10.Pulmonary hypertension is a mean PA pressure greater
than...
Answer (PAm) greater than 20
11.Primary pulmonary hypertension
Answer Idiopathic genetic disorder caused by ab- normal structure of
,the pulmonary blood vessels
12.Name three causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension..
Answer 1. Passive PH- the result of back pressure. Mitral Stenosis, LV
systolic failure.
2.Active PH- Constriction of the pulmonary circuit Increased volume in
pulmonary circuit (i.e. congenital heart disease)
3.Obstruction as in Chronic recurrent PE
13.TNP of the Pregnant patient
Answer Resuscitation priorities are the same. The best way to take
care of the baby is to take care of mama
14.Mechanisms of injury and biomechanics the most common
cause of ma- ternal injury is...
Answer Blunt trauma caused by MVC. Second is BT caused by falls, 3rd
is violence
15.fetal distress is an early sign of maternal distress... Why?
Answer Catecholamine mediated vasoconstriction resulting from
blood loss shunts blood away from the fetus to the mom.
16.Fetal hypo perfusion is evidenced by....
Answer Fetal tachycardia (140 to 160+) and fetal bradycardia
, 17.The FRC in a pregnant patient is....
Answer Reduced by the gravid uterus lifting the diaphragm.
18.chest tube placement in a pregnant patient is 1-2 spaces
higher
Answer Because of the lifted diaphragm
19.What is the cause of physiological anemia in pregnant
patients?
Answer Hemodili- tional anemia occurs. Plasma volume increases 30-
50%.
20.Preterm Labor (PTL)
Answer
21.abruptio placentae
Answer premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall
22.On a pregnant patient...
Answer Chest compressions must be higher on the sternum. Any preg
patient 20 weeks pregnant or more with a uterus above the umbilicus
should have the uterus left laterally displaced during compressions to
avoid aorto- caval compression. A 15 degree tilt of the long board or
lateral displacement.
23.What is the Maternal Fetal Triage Index?
