North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

Start Multiple Choice Practice Test
Start Flash Cards

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

How should a suctioning technique be repeated when dealing with frothy secretions?

  1. Suction for 10 seconds then ventilate for 1 minute

  2. Suction for 15 seconds then ventilate for 2 minutes

  3. Suction continuously for 1 minute

  4. Suction for 20 seconds then ventilate for 30 seconds

The correct answer is: Suction for 15 seconds then ventilate for 2 minutes

When dealing with frothy secretions, an appropriate suctioning technique is crucial for maintaining the airway and ensuring effective ventilation. The correct approach involves suctioning for a moderate duration and allowing ample time for ventilation afterward. Suctioning for 15 seconds is within recommended limits for avoiding injury to the airway, while ventilating for 2 minutes allows sufficient time for reoxygenation and stabilizing the patient's condition. Frothy secretions can block airflow and impair gas exchange, necessitating a careful balance between effective suctioning and the need for adequate oxygenation. By using a suction duration of 15 seconds, you minimize the risk of hypoxia, whereas the ventilate phase of 2 minutes provides enough time for oxygen to enter the bloodstream, helping to prevent further complications. This method is consistent with standard EMS protocols, prioritizing patient safety and effective airway management.

More Questions Like This