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West Coast EMT Block 2 Study Guide Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What should be done before inserting an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)?✔✔Ensure the patient is unresponsive with no gag reflex
When is it appropriate to use a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)?✔✔When the patient is semi-conscious or has an intact gag reflex
When should you avoid using an NPA?✔✔When the patient has facial trauma or suspected skull fracture
What is the function of the alveoli?✔✔Gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide
What is the primary stimulus for breathing in a healthy person?✔✔Rising carbon dioxide levels in the blood
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What is the effect of suctioning for too long?✔✔It can remove oxygen and cause hypoxia
What is the maximum time you should suction an adult airway?✔✔15 seconds
What is the maximum time you should suction a child’s airway?✔✔10 seconds
What is the maximum time you should suction an infant’s airway?✔✔5 seconds
What is the name of the muscular structure that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity and helps with breathing?✔✔Diaphragm
What should be done immediately after inserting an airway adjunct?✔✔Begin ventilation or monitor airway patency 2 / 4
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What is a sign of airway obstruction in a conscious adult?✔✔Inability to speak or cough
What should you do for a conscious adult with a severe airway obstruction?✔✔Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
What should you do for an unconscious adult with a foreign body airway obstruction?✔✔Begin chest compressions
What is the preferred method of clearing an airway in an infant with a foreign body obstruction?✔✔Back slaps and chest thrusts
When ventilating a patient with dentures, what should you do if the dentures are loose?✔✔Remove them
When ventilating a patient with dentures that are stable, what should you do?✔✔Leave them in place 3 / 4
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What type of mask should be used when giving oxygen to a patient with chest pain and adequate breathing?✔✔Nonrebreather mask
What condition is indicated by fast breathing, anxiety, and tingling in the fingers and lips?✔✔Hyperventilation
What should you do if a patient begins to vomit during ventilation?✔✔Turn them on their side and suction the airway
What is the proper method to open the airway of an unconscious patient with no suspected spinal injury?✔✔Head-tilt, chin-lift
What is the proper method to open the airway of an unconscious trauma patient with suspected spinal injury?✔✔Jaw-thrust maneuver
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