New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

How should an EMS provider treat a patient with a complete stoma?

1. Seal the nose and mouth

2. Keep the stoma open to the lungs

3. Use a bag-mask device

4. Apply oxygen through the nose

The correct answer is: Keep the stoma open to the lungs

For a patient with a complete stoma, keeping the stoma open to the lungs is crucial for facilitating adequate breathing. A stoma, which is an artificial opening created during procedures such as a tracheostomy, serves as the primary airway for these patients. Unlike individuals who breathe through their nose and mouth, those with a complete stoma rely entirely on this opening for airflow. Managing the stoma correctly ensures that air can reach the lungs without obstruction. Sealing the nose and mouth would hinder any potential airflow, and using a bag-mask device is inappropriate since that device is designed for facial masks and would not effectively deliver air to the stoma. Applying oxygen through the nose is also not suitable because a patient with a stoma does not utilize the nasal passages for breathing. Therefore, maintaining the stoma's openness to facilitate airflow is vital for the patient's respiratory support and overall health.