Respiratory Emergencies: Master the Essentials for Emergency Medical Services

Question 1

What is the most frequently observed symptom of respiratory distress?

Accepted Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Chest pain

Answer

Nausea

Question 2

In a respiratory emergency, which vital sign should be assessed first?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate

Answer

Blood pressure

Answer

Pulse

Answer

Temperature

Question 3

For a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which oxygen delivery device is the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Non-rebreather mask

Answer

Nasal cannula

Answer

Simple face mask

Answer

Venturi mask

Question 4

Which of the following is the primary indication of an impending respiratory arrest?

Accepted Answer

Altered mental status

Answer

Rapid pulse

Answer

Cyanosis

Answer

Dyspnea

Question 5

For a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack, the initial treatment of choice is:

Accepted Answer

Albuterol inhaler

Answer

Oxygen

Answer

Chest compressions

Answer

Intravenous fluids

Question 6

The primary function of the intercostal muscles is to:

Accepted Answer

Lift the rib cage and expand the chest cavity

Answer

Eliminate waste products

Answer

Digest food

Answer

Pump blood throughout the body

Question 7

Which of the following conditions is characterized by difficulty in clearing mucus from the airways?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Asthma

Answer

COPD

Answer

Pneumonia

Question 8

A potential complication associated with mechanical ventilation is:

Accepted Answer

Ventilator-associated pneumonia

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Dizziness

Answer

Myocardial infarction

Question 9

The priority nursing intervention for a patient with a tracheostomy is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain airway patency

Answer

Administer medications

Answer

Monitor vital signs

Answer

Provide comfort measures

Question 10

What is the initial treatment for an acute asthma exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol inhaler (SABA) to relieve airway narrowing.

Answer

Oral steroids to reduce inflammation.

Answer

Chest physiotherapy to help loosen mucus.

Answer

Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.

Question 11

Which of the following factors increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Impaired gag reflex.

Answer

Young age.

Answer

Regular exercise.

Answer

Smoking.

Question 12

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), what is the most common method of delivering oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Bag-valve-mask (BVM) provides oxygen to the lungs.

Answer

Venturi mask, used to deliver a precise concentration of oxygen.

Answer

Nasal cannula, provides supplemental oxygen through the nose.

Answer

Transtracheal catheter, inserted directly into the trachea.

Question 13

For a patient with a chest tube, which nursing action is the most important?

Accepted Answer

Monitor for air leaks around the tube.

Answer

Irrigate the tube with saline to keep it clear.

Answer

Change the dressing on the insertion site daily.

Answer

Clamp the tube before suctioning to prevent air from entering.

Question 14

In a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), what is the nurse's initial priority?

Accepted Answer

Assess oxygen saturation levels.

Answer

Evaluate pain.

Answer

Check skin integrity to prevent pressure ulcers.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a cardinal sign or symptom of an acute asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Hemoptysis

Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Dyspnea

Question 16

What is the first-line medication administered via inhalation for the immediate relief of bronchospasm in an acute asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol inhaler

Answer

Intubation

Answer

Oxygen therapy

Answer

Chest X-ray

Question 17

What is the primary objective of oxygen therapy in the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Accepted Answer

Maintain oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels above 90%

Answer

Reduce airway inflammation

Answer

Prevent infection

Answer

Dilate bronchioles

Question 18

What is the initial step in assessing a patient presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Obtain and record vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

Answer

Auscultate lung sounds

Answer

Administer antibiotics

Answer

Order a chest X-ray

Question 19

What is the fundamental legal and ethical responsibility of an EMS provider in managing respiratory emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Provide prompt and appropriate care within the scope of their practice, adhering to established protocols and guidelines.

Answer

Follow the orders of the physician exclusively

Answer

Guarantee a positive patient outcome regardless of circumstances

Question 20

What is the correct ratio of chest compressions to ventilations during CPR in an adult victim?

Accepted Answer

30:2

Answer

15:1

Answer

20:1

Answer

10:1

Question 21

Which condition is typically NOT characterized by wheezing?

Accepted Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

COPD

Answer

Asthma

Question 22

In the treatment of severe asthma exacerbations, which medication is considered the first-line therapy?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol

Answer

Ipratropium

Answer

Salmeterol

Answer

Budesonide

Question 23

Which potential complication is associated with COPD?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxemia

Answer

Fracture

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Hypertension

Question 24

What is the primary cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Accepted Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

COPD

Question 25

In an asthma attack, which position is recommended for optimal breathing?

Accepted Answer

Sitting upright

Answer

Lateral recumbent position

Answer

Lying down

Answer

Trendelenburg position

Question 26

In managing upper airway obstruction, which intervention is the most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Establishing a patent airway

Answer

Providing reassurance

Answer

Administering oxygen

Answer

Monitoring vital signs

Question 27

Which diagnostic tool is used to listen to lung sounds for signs of pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Stethoscope

Answer

Pulse oximeter (used for measuring oxygen levels)

Answer

Spirometer (used for measuring lung function)

Answer

X-ray machine (used for imaging the lungs)

Question 28

What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy in respiratory emergencies?

Accepted Answer

To maintain adequate levels of oxygen in the blood and tissues

Answer

To clear mucus from the airways

Answer

To reduce inflammation in the airways

Answer

To prevent infection

Question 29

Which medication is commonly used to treat bronchospasms in asthma?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol (a fast-acting bronchodilator)

Answer

Codeine (an opioid)

Answer

Prednisone (a corticosteroid)

Answer

Ibuprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

Question 30

What is a key nursing intervention for a patient with severe COPD?

Accepted Answer

Closely monitoring respiratory rate and oxygen levels

Answer

Administering antibiotics to prevent infection

Answer

Providing nutritional counseling to maintain a healthy weight

Answer

Performing chest physiotherapy to clear secretions

Question 31

Which of the following signs indicates a respiratory emergency?

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis (bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin)

Answer

Headache

Answer

Muscle pain

Answer

Nausea

Question 32

What is the recommended initial position for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Sitting upright with feet slightly elevated

Answer

Kneeling on all fours and leaning forward

Answer

Standing with shoulders hunched and arms crossed

Answer

Lying down with feet elevated

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a type of respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Ventilator-induced

Answer

Hypoxic (due to lack of oxygen)

Answer

Cardiogenic (due to heart failure)

Answer

Hypercapnic (due to accumulation of carbon dioxide)

Question 34

In the initial management of an asthma attack, which intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Administering an albuterol inhaler

Answer

Providing intravenous fluids

Answer

Performing chest physiotherapy

Answer

Initiating oxygen therapy

Question 35

Which clinical sign is a hallmark indicator of tension pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Tracheal deviation away from the affected side

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Severe hypoxia

Question 36

When is intubation primarily indicated in a patient experiencing respiratory distress?

Accepted Answer

When the patient is unable to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation

Answer

In the presence of decreased breath sounds

Answer

When the patient's mental status is altered

Question 37

Among patients receiving mechanical ventilation, which complication is the most common?

Accepted Answer

Ventilator-associated pneumonia

Answer

Pneumothorax

Answer

Barotrauma

Answer

Tracheal stenosis

Question 38

Which characteristic is a defining feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Accepted Answer

Irreversible airflow limitation

Answer

Sputum production

Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Coughing

Question 39

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is primarily employed in respiratory emergencies to:

Accepted Answer

Provide respiratory support without requiring intubation

Answer

Enhance oxygenation levels

Answer

Facilitate clearance of secretions

Answer

Prevent aspiration of secretions

Question 40

When assessing a patient with a respiratory emergency, which clinical finding is a key indicator of impending respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Agonal breathing pattern

Answer

Peripheral cyanosis

Answer

Expiratory wheezing

Answer

Increased respiratory rate

Question 41

In the initial assessment of a patient with a respiratory emergency, which action should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

ABCD assessment (airway, breathing, circulation, disability)

Answer

Physical examination

Answer

Detailed vital sign monitoring

Answer

Comprehensive medical history

Question 42

Streptococcus pneumoniae is commonly treated with which antibiotic in cases of pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Penicillin

Answer

Vancomycin

Answer

Clindamycin

Answer

Ciprofloxacin

Question 43

A patient presents with chest pain, shortness of breath, and a shift in the trachea towards one side of the neck. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Flail chest

Question 44

In managing a patient suspected of having hyperventilation syndrome, which intervention should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Supplemental oxygen administration

Answer

Paper bag breathing

Answer

Monitoring vital signs

Answer

Reassurance and calming techniques

Question 45

A patient with a history of asthma presents with wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Administer a bronchodilator medication via metered-dose inhaler.

Answer

Perform immediate endotracheal intubation.

Answer

Administer intravenous corticosteroids.

Answer

Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask.

Question 46

Which of the following signs and symptoms is LEAST likely to be observed in a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Accepted Answer

Fever

Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Chronic cough

Answer

Dyspnea on exertion

Question 47

When assessing a patient experiencing a respiratory emergency, what is the most crucial initial step?

Accepted Answer

Ensure a patent airway.

Answer

Check the patient's pulse and blood pressure.

Answer

Administer supplemental oxygen.

Answer

Assess the patient's mental status.

Question 48

Which of the following situations would be considered a contraindication for nebulizer treatment?

Accepted Answer

The patient is unconscious and unable to protect their airway.

Answer

The patient is having difficulty breathing and requires supplemental oxygen.

Answer

The patient is experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath.

Answer

The patient has a documented allergy to the medication being administered.

Question 49

A patient with a history of asthma presents with wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. What is the most likely physiological cause of their respiratory distress?

Accepted Answer

Bronchospasm

Answer

Pneumothorax

Answer

Pulmonary edema

Answer

Pneumonia

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom typically associated with COPD?

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Barrel chest

Answer

Chronic cough

Answer

Dyspnea on exertion

Question 51

You are dispatched to a patient in respiratory distress. They have a history of pneumonia and present with fever, cough, and chest pain. What is your priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer supplemental oxygen.

Answer

Transport the patient in a seated position.

Answer

Obtain a detailed medical history.

Answer

Administer oral antibiotics.

Question 52

A patient with a known peanut allergy presents with wheezing, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing after accidental exposure. What medication should be administered immediately?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Prednisone

Answer

Ipratropium bromide

Answer

Albuterol

Question 53

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange

Answer

Blood circulation

Answer

Hormone production

Answer

Waste removal

Question 54

Which breathing pattern is characterized by deep, rapid respirations often seen in diabetic ketoacidosis?

Accepted Answer

Kussmaul respirations

Answer

Biot's respirations

Answer

Apneustic respirations

Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Question 55

What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult?

Accepted Answer

12-20 breaths per minute

Answer

30-40 breaths per minute

Answer

20-30 breaths per minute

Answer

8-12 breaths per minute

Question 56

You are treating a patient with a suspected opioid overdose. They are unresponsive and have shallow breathing. What medication should be administered?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Albuterol

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Aspirin

Question 57

What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious patients?

Accepted Answer

Tongue

Answer

Laryngeal edema

Answer

Bronchospasm

Answer

Foreign object