Deck 10: Airway Obstruction

Question 1

A finger sweep should only be performed on an adult patient if they are unconscious.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Why is airway obstruction a potential danger associated with dental treatments?

A) Many patients tend to experience extreme anxiety at the dental office.
B) Those with serious medical conditions often suffer serious dental problems; bringing many high risk patient to the dental office.
C) During a dental treatment, the patient must remain in a reclined position.
D) Some of the medications indicated for dental use produce anaphylaxis in a few patients.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Why is it important to continue the Heimlich maneuver after the patient loses consciousness?

A) As the unconscious patient is repositioned, this may force additional air through the airway.
B) As the unconscious patient is repositioned, this may dilate the airway further.
C) Manual thrusts performed during consciousness may partially move the object, thus continuing the Heimlich maneuver may further dislodge the object.
D) The patient's muscles may relax during unconsciousness, facilitating the removal of the object.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

The Heimlich maneuver requires manual thrusts, which _____.

A) force air through the trachea
B) expand the size of the trachea
C) force air through the esophagus
D) expand the size of the esophagus

Question 5

How should an abdominal thrust be administered?

A) inward and upward motion; two times
B) inward motion only; two times
C) inward and upward motion; four times
D) inward motion only; four times

Question 6

What is the universal distress signal to indicate complete airway obstruction?

A) mouth gaping open
B) clutching throat with hands
C) face turning bright red
D) flailing hands

Question 7

If a patient experiences a complete airway obstruction, and their airway is not cleared within ____ minutes, then irreversible brain damage or death may occur.

A) four to six
B) eight to ten
C) twelve to fourteen
D) sixteen to eighteen

Question 8

When performing the Heimlich maneuver, what additional step must be taken with an unconscious patient?

A) chest compressions
B) mouth-to-mouth ventilation
C) lumbar thrusts
D) administer oxygen

Question 9

When administering chest thrusts, it is important to place the hands over the xiphoid process.

Question 10

The Heimlich maneuver is not recommended for a patient experiencing a partial obstruction with adequate air exchange.

Question 11

What is the biggest risk associated with a finger sweep?

A) The pharynx may become damaged.
B) The larynx may become damaged.
C) The object causing the obstruction may be pushed into the esophagus.
D) The object causing the obstruction may be pushed farther down the throat.

Question 12

The mouth and nose first empty into a common passage called the ____.

A) trachea
B) esophagus
C) larynx
D) pharynx

Question 13

When performing the Heimlich maneuver on an infant, if an object is not removed after performing the initial manual thrusts, what should be done next?

A) Place the infant in the supine position and perform additional manual thrusts.
B) Place the infant in the lateral position and perform additional manual thrusts.
C) Place the infant on their stomach and apply back blows.
D) Place the infant in the lateral position and apply back blows.

Question 14

How should an unconscious patient be positioned during the Heimlich maneuver?

A) supine
B) prone
C) dorsal recumbent
D) lateral

Question 15

If the Heimlich maneuver is unsuccessful, a tracheotomy should be performed.

Question 16

While performing a dental procedure, Dr. Stevens drops a dental dam clamp into a patient's mouth. The patient makes a crowing noise and shows signs of cyanosis around the mouth. What type of obstruction is the patient experiencing?

A) partial airway obstruction with adequate air exchange
B) partial obstruction with inadequate air exchange
C) cyanotic airway obstruction
D) complete airway obstruction

Question 17

When performing an abdominal thrust on a conscious patient, place the thumb of the fist against the patient halfway between the ____ and the ____.

A) pelvis; navel
B) navel; rib cage
C) pelvis; rib cage
D) navel; pharynx

Question 18

What tool should be used to prevent an airway obstruction during a tooth extraction?

A) throat pack
B) dental dam
C) ligature
D) suction

Question 19

While performing the Heimlich maneuver manual thrusts should be administered as ____ thrusts; or alternatively as ____ thrusts for obese or pregnant patients.

A) pelvic; abdominal
B) abdominal; chest
C) abdominal; pelvic
D) chest; abdominal

Question 20

When food is swallowed, it is kept out of the esophagus by the epiglottis; a flap that covers the opening of the trachea whenever food approaches.

Question 21

How should the Heimlich maneuver be performed on a child?

A) The exact same way as for an infant.
B) The same way as for an infant, but with more force.
C) The exact same way as for an adult.
D) The same way as for an adult, but with less force.

Question 22

During a cricothyrotomy, the airway must be maintained by ____.

A) clamping the incision open
B) placing a finger into the incision
C) suturing the incision open
D) cauterizing the incision

Question 23

When performing a cricothyrotomy, to locate the cricothyroid membrane place a finger on the ____ and slide downward until a slight ____ is felt.

A) chin; bump
B) chin; indent
C) Adam's apple; indent
D) Adam's apple; bump

Question 24

If experiencing a complete airway obstruction, and no help is available, you can dislodge the object yourself by ____.

A) administering self-abdominal thrusts
B) administering self-chest thrusts
C) lying in a dorsal recumbent position and pulling your knees in
D) leaning forward and coughing

Question 25

How should the Heimlich maneuver be modified for an obese patient?

A) Additional manual thrusts may have to be administered.
B) The patient may have to be placed in the lateral position.
C) The patient may have to be placed in the prone position.
D) Manual thrusts may have to be performed on the front of the patient.