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

Which of the following is a potential consequence of improper airway management?

1. Improved oxygenation

2. Pneumothorax

3. Enhanced ventilation

4. Increased respiratory rate

The correct answer is: Pneumothorax

Improper airway management can result in a pneumothorax, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. A pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space, leading to the collapse of a lung. This can happen during advanced airway procedures if there is improper placement of a tube, excessive pressure, or if a trauma patient has an injury that is not correctly addressed during airway management. Effective airway management is crucial to ensuring that oxygen can be delivered to the lungs and that carbon dioxide can be expelled effectively. Failures in this process may lead to complications such as pneumothorax, which compromises the respiratory system and can lead to significant physiological distress and decreased oxygenation throughout the body. On the other hand, the other options may suggest positive outcomes related to airway management. Improved oxygenation and enhanced ventilation are goals of proper airway techniques, while an increased respiratory rate can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to inadequate oxygenation or hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels), but they are not direct consequences of improper management. Recognizing and avoiding airway management errors is essential for EMTs to prevent severe outcomes such as respiratory failure or pneumothorax.