Airway Management practice test: free NREMT EMT questions

Sample Practice Questions for Airway Management

1. Question 1Ref: NREMT EMT Skill Sheet - Airway Management Sequence

   You are managing the airway of an unresponsive patient who is vomiting. After suctioning the oropharynx, what is your NEXT intervention?

   APerform a head-tilt/chin-lift and assess breathingBInsert an NPA and begin BVM ventilationsCInsert an OPA and begin BVM ventilationsDPlace the patient in the recovery position
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   Correct Answer
   C. Insert an OPA and begin BVM ventilations

   After suctioning, the next step is to insert an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) to maintain airway patency, then begin BVM ventilations if the patient is apneic or breathing inadequately. The OPA is appropriate for unresponsive patients with no gag reflex. NPAs are an alternative but OPAs are preferred for oral airway management.

2. Question 2Ref: NREMT EMT Skill Sheet - OPA Insertion Contraindications

   An OPA is contraindicated in a patient who:

   AIs breathing inadequatelyBHas a decreased level of consciousnessCHas an intact gag reflexDHas facial trauma
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   Correct Answer
   C. Has an intact gag reflex

   An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is contraindicated in patients with an intact gag reflex because it can stimulate vomiting and aspiration. It should only be used in unresponsive patients typically with GCS 8 or below with no gag reflex. Facial trauma is a relative contraindication for NPA, not OPA.

3. Question 3Ref: NREMT EMT Skill Sheet - BVM Ventilation Rate per AHA BLS Guidelines

   You are ventilating an apneic adult patient with a BVM at 15 LPM of oxygen. What is the correct rate of ventilations?

   A1 breath every 8-10 secondsB1 breath every 3-4 secondsC1 breath every 5-6 secondsD30 compressions followed by 2 breaths
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   Correct Answer
   C. 1 breath every 5-6 seconds

   For an apneic adult patient, BVM ventilations should be delivered at a rate of 1 breath every 5-6 seconds, which equals approximately 10-12 breaths per minute. This rate provides adequate oxygenation without causing gastric distension. The 30:2 ratio applies during CPR, not for ventilations alone.

4. Question 4Ref: NREMT EMT Skill Sheet - NPA Contraindications

   A patient with suspected basilar skull fracture requires airway management. Which airway adjunct should you AVOID?

   AHead-tilt/chin-liftBOPACJaw-thrust maneuverDNPA
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   Correct Answer
   D. NPA

   A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is contraindicated in patients with suspected basilar skull fracture because the tube can enter the cranial cavity through the fracture. An OPA can be used if the patient has no gag reflex. The jaw-thrust maneuver is preferred for maintaining the airway in trauma patients.

5. Question 5Ref: NREMT EMT Test Plan - Patient Treatment / Oxygen Therapy

   A patient in respiratory distress has SpO2 of 88% on room air. He is alert and breathing spontaneously. What oxygen delivery device is MOST appropriate?

   ABVM ventilations at 15 LPMBNasal cannula at 2 LPMCSimple face mask at 6 LPMDNon-rebreather mask at 15 LPM
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   Correct Answer
   D. Non-rebreather mask at 15 LPM

   An SpO2 of 88% indicates significant hypoxia. A non-rebreather mask at 10-15 LPM delivers 60-90% FiO2 and is appropriate for moderate to severe hypoxia. Nasal cannula at 2 LPM only delivers 24-28% FiO2. BVM ventilations are for apneic or inadequately breathing patients, not spontaneously breathing ones.

6. Question 6Ref: NREMT EMT Test Plan - Patient Treatment / Special Populations - Pediatric

   You arrive to find a 3-year-old who is drooling, sitting in a tripod position, and has a muffled voice. The child is febrile. What condition should you MOST suspect?

   AForeign body airway obstructionBCroupCAsthma exacerbationDEpiglottitis
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   Correct Answer
   D. Epiglottitis

   The classic presentation of epiglottitis is drooling, tripod positioning, muffled voice, and fever. This is a life-threatening emergency due to potential complete airway obstruction. Croup typically presents with a barky cough and stridor. Do NOT attempt to visualize the epiglottis or place anything in the mouth.

7. Question 7Ref: NREMT EMT Skill Sheet - Suctioning Technique

   When suctioning a patient's oropharynx, what is the MAXIMUM duration for each suction pass?

   A20 secondsB5 secondsC15 secondsD10 seconds
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   Correct Answer
   D. 10 seconds

   Each suction pass should last no more than 10 seconds to minimize hypoxia. Insert the suction catheter without suctioning, then apply suction only while withdrawing. Monitor the patient's SpO2 and pulse throughout the procedure. Have the BVM ready in case the patient becomes hypoxic.

8. Question 8Ref: NREMT EMT Skill Sheet - Rescue Breathing per AHA BLS Guidelines

   An adult patient is apneic with a palpable carotid pulse. You should provide rescue ventilations at a rate of:

   A15 compressions then 2 breathsB1 breath every 3-4 secondsC30 compressions then 2 breathsD1 breath every 5-6 seconds
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   Correct Answer
   D. 1 breath every 5-6 seconds

   For a patient with a pulse but no breathing (respiratory arrest), provide rescue ventilations at 1 breath every 5-6 seconds, which equals 10-12 breaths per minute. The 30:2 and 15:2 ratios apply only during cardiac arrest with CPR. Check the pulse every 2 minutes to monitor for cardiac arrest.