Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

If a CobraPLA device is inserted incorrectly and the tongue is protruding, what does that indicate?

1. The device is correctly placed

2. The device is too deep into the airway

3. The device is not inserted far enough

4. The device is causing an obstruction

The correct answer is: The device is not inserted far enough

When a CobraPLA device is improperly positioned and the tongue is protruding, it suggests that the device has not been inserted far enough into the airway. This situation occurs because the device is designed to maintain an open airway by displacing the tongue; if it remains protruded, it means that the device is failing to fulfill its purpose. The tongue should ideally be positioned away from the posterior pharynx and should not block the airway when the device is correctly placed. If the device is too shallow, the tongue can fall back into the throat, leading to airway obstruction, which is not its intended function. Proper insertion depth is crucial for effective airway management, as it ensures the device can maintain an open passage for air. In contrast, for the other scenarios mentioned, if the device were inserted too deep, there would be an increased risk of trauma to the airway or complications, but that is not indicated by a protruding tongue. If the device were causing an obstruction or positioned correctly, the tongue would also typically not obstruct, as the device would be holding it in place. Hence, the visible protrusion of the tongue clearly indicates insufficient insertion of the CobraPLA device.