North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

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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!

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!

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What characterizes a properly functioning non-rebreather mask?

The bag must remain inflated during inhalation
The mask should fit loosely
It should not have a valve
The patient can breathe room air with it

The correct answer is: The bag must remain inflated during inhalation

A properly functioning non-rebreather mask is characterized by the bag remaining inflated during inhalation. This design is essential because the non-rebreather mask is specifically intended to provide a high concentration of oxygen to the patient. When the bag is inflated, it allows for a sufficient supply of oxygen to be delivered to the mask, ensuring that the patient inhales a higher percentage of oxygen rather than mixing it with ambient air. Proper use and fitting of the non-rebreather mask are critical; it should create a tight seal against the patient's face to prevent room air from entering. If the mask fits loosely, significant amounts of exhaled air could enter, diluting the oxygen supply. Also, the mask must have a one-way valve to prevent exhaled air from re-entering the bag, so the absence of this valve would compromise its functionality. Lastly, if the patient were able to breathe room air while using the mask, it would indicate a malfunction, as the goal of a non-rebreather is to minimize the intake of ambient air, ensuring the patient receives a concentrated flow of oxygen.