Unit 3 Test Airway

Lincoln is assessing a patient in a first aid class. Which of the following is a sign of an open airway?

• Snoring

• Gasping for air

• The patient can speak in full sentences

• Stridor

Answer explanation

The ability to speak in full sentences indicates that the airway is open and unobstructed. In contrast, snoring, gasping, and stridor suggest potential airway obstruction.

Chase is in a classroom when he notices a fellow student having difficulty breathing. What is the priority action he should take?

• Start CPR

• Ensure the airway is open

• Administer medication

• Call for assistance

Answer explanation

The priority action is to ensure the airway is open, as this is crucial for breathing. If the airway is obstructed, no other actions, including CPR or medication, will be effective.

Clark, a 4-year-old child, is coughing forcibly after eating. Which of the following is the best course of action?

• Perform chest compressions

• Encourage the child to continue coughing

• Begin abdominal thrusts

• Perform finger sweeps

Answer explanation

Encouraging the child to continue coughing is the best action as it helps expel the obstruction. Coughing is a natural reflex to clear the airway, while other options like abdominal thrusts may be inappropriate for a child who can still cough.

Lincoln is a paramedic attending to a patient. When considering using a nasal airway (NPA), which of the following is a contraindication?

• The patient is conscious

• The patient has a suspected head trauma

• The patient is unresponsive

• The patient has a gag reflex

Answer explanation

The use of a nasal airway (NPA) is contraindicated in patients with suspected head trauma due to the risk of further injury or complications, such as penetrating the cranial cavity.

Asel arrives at the scene of a motor-vehicle crash and determines the patient is breathing at 30 breaths per minute. The patient has a history of pneumonia. Which oxygen delivery device would be most appropriate?

• Nasal cannula at 1-6 LPM

• Non-rebreather mask at 10-15 LPM

• Bag-valve-mask (BVM) at 10-15 LPM

• Resuscitation mask at 6-15 LPM

Answer explanation

The non-rebreather mask at 10-15 LPM is most appropriate for a patient with pneumonia and rapid breathing, as it delivers high concentrations of oxygen, ensuring adequate oxygenation in a critical situation.

Herring, a 45-year-old man with no history of respiratory conditions, is experiencing severe chest pain and is breathing 26 times per minute. He finds the oxygen mask uncomfortable. What should you do?

• Remove the mask

• Switch to a nasal cannula

• Increase the oxygen flow rate

• Administer oxygen through a BVM

Answer explanation

Switching to a nasal cannula is appropriate as it is more comfortable for the patient and can still provide adequate oxygenation, especially since he finds the mask uncomfortable.

Scenario: Cameau is treating a patient who is unconscious after collapsing. Cameau performs a primary assessment and finds that ventilations are not causing the chest to rise. Cameau repositions the airway and still there is no chest rise. What should be Cameau's next action?

• Begin chest compressions

• Administer a higher oxygen flow rate

• Check for airway obstruction and perform suction if necessary

• Switch to a different oxygen delivery device

Answer explanation

Cameau should check for airway obstruction and perform suction if necessary, as the lack of chest rise indicates a possible blockage. This step is crucial before considering other interventions like chest compressions.

During a first aid class, Cora is learning about emergency response. What is the primary goal when assessing a patient’s airway?

• Check for heart rate

• Ensure the airway is open

• Administer medications

• Apply a bandage

Answer explanation

The primary goal when assessing a patient’s airway is to ensure the airway is open. An obstructed airway can lead to inadequate oxygen supply, making this step critical in emergency response.

Maritza is studying human anatomy and needs to identify which part of the airway is included in the lower airway tract. Can you help her?

• Trachea

• Nasal cavity

• Pharynx

• Larynx

Answer explanation

The trachea is part of the lower airway tract, which includes structures below the larynx. The nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx are part of the upper airway, making the trachea the correct choice.

During a biology class, Aiden learned about a condition that affects mountain climbers due to reduced oxygen levels in cells. What does this condition refer to?

• Excess oxygen in the blood

• Reduced oxygen levels in cells

• Increased carbon dioxide

• Blocked airway

Answer explanation

The condition affecting mountain climbers due to reduced oxygen levels in cells is known as hypoxia. This occurs when there is insufficient oxygen available for cellular processes, leading to various symptoms.