EMT Prep Airway Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What type of imbalance is the patient most likely experiencing?

Respiratory acidosis (correct)

Metabolic acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis

What is the abnormal breathing pattern called in the patient exhibiting rapid, deep gasping respirations with short pauses?

Biot's (correct)

Kussmaul's

Cheyne-Stokes

Eupnea

What is the best way to free a complete airway obstruction in a conscious choking adult?

Delivering back blows

Performing abdominal thrusts (correct)

Encouraging the patient to cough

Using Magill forceps

Seesaw breathing is indicative of respiratory distress in which type of patient?

Infants Signup and view all the answers

A reduced tidal volume would most likely occur from?

Unequal chest expansion Signup and view all the answers

You shouldn't suction the airway of an adult patient for more than how many seconds?

15 Signup and view all the answers

The main advantage of an NPA (nasopharyngeal adjunct) over an OPA (oropharyngeal adjunct) is that?

It can be used on conscious patients as well as unconscious patients Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a motorcycle accident, after checking that the scene is safe, you should first?

Remove the helmet while trying to stabilize c-spine as much as possible Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you feel resistance when providing ventilations with a BVM to a 92-year-old male?

Reposition the airway Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the diaphragm contracts?

Air moves into the lungs Signup and view all the answers

This type of abnormal respiratory pattern is often seen in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or other metabolic acidosis?

Kussmaul Signup and view all the answers

When placing an NPA, where should you start your measurements?

From the ear or angle of the jaw Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely cause of an unconscious 2-year-old male with a 'bark-like' cough?

Croup Signup and view all the answers

All of the following happens during inhalation, except?

Diaphragm moves upward Signup and view all the answers

When intubating with a Macintosh blade, where should the tip be placed?

In the vallecula Signup and view all the answers

Initial management of an unconscious adult patient with a pulse who fell from a tree includes?

Performing a jaw-thrust maneuver Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the way stretch receptors help limit lung overinflation?

Hering-Breuer reflex Signup and view all the answers

Your first priority for a 10-year-old male with shallow breathing and a deformed leg is?

Apply a c-collar and ventilate with a BVM and supplemental oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is least associated with emphysema?

Productive cough throughout the day Signup and view all the answers

Why is the situation of an elderly male with rapid and shallow breathing considered serious?

His minute volume may be diminished Signup and view all the answers

What is your next priority for a 6-year-old female with blood oozing from her thigh?

Rapid sequence intubation Signup and view all the answers

What condition is occurring when a patient has rapid respiration and a SpO2 of less than 94%?

Respiratory Alkalosis Signup and view all the answers

For a 9-year-old female presenting with low respiratory rate and SpO2 of 86%, what is your first intervention?

Ventilate with a bag-valve-mask Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrowest part of a 7-year-old female's airway?

Cricoid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is Etomidate used for?

Induced general anesthesia during RSI Signup and view all the answers

What is the average tidal volume for an adult male?

400-600 mL Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest concern for a 57-year-old male with shortness of breath and history of blood thinner usage?

Pulmonary embolism Signup and view all the answers

When abnormal respiratory sounds are found with retractions, what may the patient be experiencing?

Obstruction Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate size King LT for a patient 5'5" tall?

4 Signup and view all the answers

In a case of a motorcycle accident with profuse bleeding inside the mouth, the best approach is?

Roll him on his side while backboarded and suction his airway Signup and view all the answers

What initial treatment would most benefit a runner who developed shortness of breath after finishing a race?

Supplemental Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

You arrive at the scene with a 60-year-old female in respiratory distress. How should you administer oxygen?

At 12-15 L/min via non-rebreather mask Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Airway Management Basics

Seesaw breathing is a sign of respiratory distress specifically in infants.
Reduced tidal volume occurs due to unequal chest expansion.
Suction adult airways for no more than 15 seconds, ensuring suctioning happens only during withdrawal to prevent oxygen loss.

Airway Adjuncts

Nasopharyngeal adjuncts (NPA) are preferable over oropharyngeal adjuncts (OPA) in patients with a gag reflex.
To measure NPAs or OPAs correctly, start from the angle of the jaw to the intended insertion point.

Emergency Situations

In unconscious patients, prioritize airway management over spinal stabilization, especially when obstructed.
When a patient shows rapid, shallow breathing, expect diminished minute volume and potential respiratory failure.
In a young child with a bark-like cough and stridor, diagnosis is likely croup, requiring humidified oxygen.

Respiratory Patterns

Kussmaul respirations indicate deep, rapid breathing often seen in metabolic acidosis.
The normal adult respiratory rate ranges from 12-20 breaths per minute. Rates above this can indicate serious respiratory distress.

Intubation Techniques

For endotracheal intubation with a Macintosh blade, place the tip in the vallecula, contrasting with the Miller blade which goes under the epiglottis.
In elderly patients or those with challenging airways, use size #4 King LT for those 5-6 feet tall.

Pathology Considerations

Obstruction, such as from croup, is evident when abnormal sounds accompany retractions during respiration.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism become critical when a patient presents with chest pain and difficulty breathing after previous leg issues.

Responses to Respiratory Distress

Administer supplemental oxygen to patients with oxygen saturation below 94% and assess for ventilation needs in those with low respiratory rates (e.g., 10 breaths/min).
In cases of respiratory acidosis from drug overdoses, anticipate elevated hydrogen ions due to hypoventilation.

Patient Assessments

Monitor signs of respiratory distress; for example, a pediatric patient with gurgling sounds and low respiratory rates indicates significant airway compromise.
In head trauma patients showing patterns like Biot's respirations, suspect increased intracranial pressure.

Choking Interventions

Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) are recommended for complete airway obstruction in conscious adults, while Magill forceps are used for unconscious patients with visible obstruction.

Conclusion

Always prioritize airway and breathing assessments and interventions in emergency medical situations, adjusting techniques based on age and specific anatomical considerations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on airway management and respiratory distress with these EMT prep flashcards. Each card focuses on key concepts related to airway anatomy and the physiological signs seen in different patient demographics. Perfect for EMT students and professionals preparing for exams.