3 Airway, Respiration, and Ventilation Free Online FlashCards

What is ventilation?

Ventilation is the movement of air into and out of the lungs, which helps remove carbon dioxide.

Why is oxygen alone insufficient when breathing is inadequate?

Supplemental oxygen does not replace ventilation when breaths are inadequate; the patient needs effective air movement.

Why can respiratory problems worsen quickly in young children?

Infants and young children have smaller, more easily obstructed airways and rely more on the diaphragm, so respiratory problems can worsen quickly.

What findings can signal impending respiratory failure?

Slowing or irregular breathing, reduced effort, worsening mental status, or a previously loud wheeze becoming very quiet can signal impending respiratory failure.

How should an EMT open the airway when trauma may be present?

Use a head-tilt/chin-lift when trauma is not suspected. If head, neck, or spinal injury is possible, use a jaw-thrust while minimizing movement.

When may an OPA or NPA be appropriate?

An OPA is for an unresponsive patient without a gag reflex. An NPA may be appropriate with an intact gag reflex, but avoid it with significant facial trauma or suspected basilar skull injury.

How much volume should each BVM breath deliver?

Give only enough volume to produce visible chest rise. Excessively rapid or forceful breaths can inflate the stomach, increase aspiration risk, and reduce blood return to the heart.

What is the immediate priority in opioid-related respiratory depression?

Open the airway and ventilate effectively; give naloxone when authorized and indicated, but do not delay ventilation or resuscitation.

What is oxygenation?

Oxygenation is the transfer of oxygen into the blood and its delivery to tissues.

What processes make up respiration?

Respiration includes gas exchange in the lungs, gas exchange between blood and tissues, and cellular use of oxygen.

Why should pulse oximetry be interpreted with the whole assessment?

Pulse oximetry may mislead with poor perfusion, motion, nail products, or carbon monoxide exposure; a reassuring reading does not rule out distress.

What is the safe approach to removing an airway obstruction by hand?

Remove only objects that are visible and reachable; never perform a blind finger sweep.