NREMT Paramedic Certification Exam

The ideal flow rate for a non-rebreather face mask is 15 liters/min. This high flow rate ensures that the mask is delivering a sufficient amount of oxygen to the patient. It helps to flush out exhaled carbon dioxide and prevent the rebreathing of exhaled air, ensuring a higher concentration of oxygen is being inhaled. This flow rate is necessary for patients who require high levels of oxygen or those who are in respiratory distress.

When a tension pneumothorax occurs, there is an accumulation of air in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse. This leads to a decrease or absence of breath sounds because the air cannot pass through the affected area of the lung. Therefore, when the lungs are osculated in areas of a tension pneumothorax, the likely sound that will be heard is absent or decreased breath sounds.

An oropharyngeal airway should be measured from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe. This measurement ensures that the airway is the correct size and can effectively maintain an open passage for air to flow through the mouth and into the pharynx. Measuring from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe takes into account the length of the oral cavity and ensures that the airway is inserted to the appropriate depth.

A nasopharyngeal airway should be measured from the nose to the earlobe because this measurement ensures that the airway is the appropriate length to reach from the patient's nose to the back of their throat. This measurement helps to ensure that the airway is inserted correctly and reaches the necessary depth to maintain an open airway.

Bronchitis and emphysema can be affiliated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung disease characterized by airflow limitation. Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs, while emphysema is a condition where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, leading to difficulty in breathing. Both bronchitis and emphysema are common causes of COPD and often coexist in individuals with this disease. Therefore, the correct answer is bronchitis and emphysema.

A nasal cannula is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient. It consists of two small prongs that are inserted into the nostrils and connected to an oxygen source. The correct answer is 24% - 44% because a nasal cannula typically delivers oxygen at a flow rate of 1-6 liters per minute, which corresponds to an oxygen concentration of 24% - 44%. This range is considered to be a low to moderate level of oxygen supplementation.

Hypertension is not one of the signs or symptoms of tension pneumothorax. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse and putting pressure on the heart and other structures. Symptoms typically include severe dyspnea (difficulty breathing), subcutaneous emphysema (air under the skin), and jugular venous distension (swelling of the neck veins). Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not directly associated with tension pneumothorax.

Tracheal deviation refers to a shift or displacement of the trachea from its normal position in the midline of the neck. This can occur due to various conditions affecting the structures surrounding the trachea. Lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and thoracic aortic aneurysm can all cause tracheal deviation by exerting pressure on the trachea or displacing it. However, chronic bronchitis is not known to cause tracheal deviation. Chronic bronchitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which does not directly affect the position of the trachea.

The most efficient and best maneuver to open the airway of an unconscious patient who has suffered a spinal or head injury is to insert an OPA (Oropharyngeal Airway). This is because an OPA helps to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway by maintaining an open passage for air to flow through. The head-tilt-chin lift maneuver may not be suitable for patients with suspected spinal injuries as it can potentially worsen the injury. The modified jaw thrust maneuver is also not recommended for patients with suspected spinal injuries. Increasing the oxygen flow rate alone may not effectively open the airway and address the obstruction caused by the tongue.

Hyperventilation is a condition characterized by rapid and deep breathing, leading to excessive intake of oxygen and decreased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can occur due to various reasons such as anxiety, panic attacks, or certain medical conditions. The accumulation of oxygen in the blood, rather than carbon dioxide, causes the symptoms associated with hyperventilation, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, and tingling sensations.