Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

In respiratory distress with audible wheezes, which action is MOST appropriate?

1. Administer oxygen only

2. Begin bag-mask ventilation

3. Provide high-flow oxygen and calm reassurance

4. Administer bronchodilator treatment if indicated

The correct answer is: Administer bronchodilator treatment if indicated

In a scenario where a patient is experiencing respiratory distress with audible wheezing, the most appropriate action is to administer bronchodilator treatment if indicated. Wheezing is typically associated with constricted airways, often due to conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or allergic reactions. Bronchodilators are medications that work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to dilation and improved airflow, which is crucial in alleviating respiratory distress. While providing high-flow oxygen and calming reassurance can play supportive roles in the overall care of a patient in respiratory distress, they do not address the underlying problem of airway constriction effectively. Oxygen administration alone might help with hypoxia but does not resolve wheezing or improve respiratory function. Likewise, bag-mask ventilation is a more invasive procedure typically reserved for severe respiratory failure where the patient is unable to protect their airway or breathe effectively. In this case, the priority should be to relieve the airway constriction, which is best achieved through bronchodilator treatment if the indication for use is present.