Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the appropriate airway management for a 70-year-old male with unresponsive slow, shallow respirations?

1. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway

2. Insert an oral airway and ventilate with a bag-mask device

3. Perform cricothyrotomy immediately

4. Position the patient upright and monitor

The correct answer is: Insert an oral airway and ventilate with a bag-mask device

In a scenario where a 70-year-old male is exhibiting unresponsive slow, shallow respirations, the most appropriate airway management involves inserting an oral airway and ventilating with a bag-mask device. This option is vital because the patient's unresponsiveness indicates a significant compromise in airway patency and adequate ventilation. An oral airway is specifically designed to maintain an open airway by preventing the tongue from obstructing the back of the throat, which is common in unresponsive patients. By using this device, the EMT ensures that air can flow unobstructed into the lungs. Accompanying this, using a bag-mask device allows for positive pressure ventilation, effectively aiding the patient in receiving adequate oxygen. While other options, such as inserting a nasopharyngeal airway, may seem reasonable, they are less effective in the presence of an unresponsive state, especially if there is a risk of potential airway obstruction. A cricothyrotomy is a more invasive procedure that is typically reserved for situations where other airway management strategies have failed or cannot be performed due to trauma or significant airway blockage. Positioning the patient upright, while it can be beneficial in certain circumstances, would not address the immediate need for ventilation in this critical situation. Thus, the selected method