ACLS ACLS Airway Management and Ventilation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the preferred initial airway adjunct for an unconscious adult patient who lacks a gag reflex during ACLS?
- Oropharyngeal airway (OPA) (Correct answer)
- Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)
- Endotracheal tube
- Laryngeal mask airway
Correct answer: Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is the preferred initial airway adjunct for unconscious patients without a gag reflex to maintain airway patency.
Question 2: During bag-mask ventilation in ACLS, what tidal volume is recommended to avoid gastric inflation?
- 500–600 mL (visible chest rise) (Correct answer)
- 800–1000 mL
- 1200 mL
- 200–300 mL
Correct answer: 500–600 mL (visible chest rise)
Tidal volumes of 500–600 mL (enough to produce visible chest rise) are recommended to minimize gastric inflation and barotrauma.
Question 3: Which device provides the MOST reliable protection against aspiration during advanced airway management in ACLS?
- Endotracheal tube (ETT) (Correct answer)
- Oropharyngeal airway
- Nasopharyngeal airway
- Bag-mask valve
Correct answer: Endotracheal tube (ETT)
The endotracheal tube, when properly placed and cuffed, provides the most reliable protection against aspiration by isolating the trachea.
Question 4: After intubation, which is the MOST reliable method to confirm endotracheal tube placement?
- Waveform capnography (Correct answer)
- Chest auscultation
- Chest X-ray
- Pulse oximetry
Correct answer: Waveform capnography
Waveform capnography is the most reliable method for confirming and continuously monitoring correct ETT placement during ACLS.
Question 5: During cardiac arrest with an advanced airway in place, what is the recommended ventilation rate?
- 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) (Correct answer)
- 1 breath every 2 seconds (30 breaths/min)
- 1 breath every 10 seconds (6 breaths/min)
- 1 breath every 3 seconds (20 breaths/min)
Correct answer: 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
Once an advanced airway is secured during cardiac arrest, deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) without pausing chest compressions.
Question 6: A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is contraindicated in which situation?
- Suspected basilar skull fracture (Correct answer)
- Patient with an intact gag reflex
- Unconscious trauma patient
- Patient with nasal congestion
Correct answer: Suspected basilar skull fracture
A nasopharyngeal airway is contraindicated in suspected basilar skull fracture due to risk of intracranial placement.
ACLS ACLS Airway Management and Ventilation 1
What is the preferred initial airway adjunct for an unconscious adult patient who lacks a gag reflex during ACLS?