Airway, Respiration & Ventilation

5 free sample questions of the 58 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   The structure that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing is the:

   • A.Uvula
   • B.Epiglottis
   • C.Vocal cords
   • D.Cricoid ring
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Epiglottis

   The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap that covers the glottic opening during swallowing, directing food into the esophagus and away from the trachea.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Airway Management, Respiration and Ventilation > Airway anatomy (EMT: F,F)

2. Question 2

   The only completely circular (full ring) cartilage in the upper airway is the:

   • A.Thyroid cartilage
   • B.Cricoid cartilage
   • C.Tracheal rings
   • D.Hyoid bone
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Cricoid cartilage

   The cricoid is the only complete cartilaginous ring. Tracheal cartilages below are C-shaped (open posteriorly). The cricoid ring's complete shape allows cricoid pressure (Sellick maneuver — though no longer routinely recommended).

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Airway Management, Respiration and Ventilation > Airway anatomy (EMT: F,F)

3. Question 3

   The preferred airway-opening maneuver in a patient with suspected cervical spine injury is:

   • A.Head-tilt, chin-lift
   • B.Jaw-thrust without head tilt
   • C.Hyperextension of the neck
   • D.Sniffing position with neck flexion
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Jaw-thrust without head tilt

   Jaw-thrust without head tilt opens the airway while maintaining neutral cervical alignment. Head-tilt is acceptable in patients without suspected spinal injury.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Airway Management, Respiration and Ventilation > Techniques of assuring a patent airway (EMT: F,F)

4. Question 4

   An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is sized by measuring from the:

   • A.Tip of the nose to the earlobe
   • B.Corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw (or earlobe)
   • C.Adam's apple to the sternal notch
   • D.Chin to the suprasternal notch
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw (or earlobe)

   OPA: corner of the mouth to the earlobe (or angle of the jaw). NPA: tip of the nose to the earlobe. Incorrect sizing can fail to relieve obstruction or worsen it.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Airway Management, Respiration and Ventilation > Techniques of assuring a patent airway (EMT: F,F)

5. Question 5

   An OPA is contraindicated in patients who have:

   • A.Snoring respirations
   • B.An intact gag reflex
   • C.Apnea
   • D.A history of seizures
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. An intact gag reflex

   An intact gag reflex is the absolute contraindication for an OPA — it provokes vomiting and aspiration. The OPA is for unresponsive patients without a gag reflex. Use an NPA if the patient has a gag.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Airway Management, Respiration and Ventilation > Techniques of assuring a patent airway (EMT: F,F)

53 more Airway, Respiration & Ventilation questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

OnScene is an independent study aid based on the NREMT EMT Examination Specifications (2023 Practice Analysis), the National EMS Education Standards 2021, the National EMS Scope of Practice Model 2019, and the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the NREMT, NHTSA, the American Heart Association, or any other organization.