Paramedic Airway Exam Questions
with 100% Correct 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
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,
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
with 100% Correct 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
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,
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
