Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

If a patient is experiencing apnea, what should be your immediate response?

1. Monitor heart rate

2. Initiate CPR

3. Provide supplemental oxygen

4. Assess the airway

The correct answer is: Assess the airway

In a situation where a patient is experiencing apnea, assessing the airway is the most critical first step. Apnea, defined as the absence of breathing, often indicates a potential blockage or compromise of the airway. By prioritizing airway assessment, you can determine if there is an obstruction that needs to be addressed immediately. Assessing the airway involves looking for any visible obstructions, abnormal positioning, or signs that the airway is compromised. If the airway is clear, the next steps can be taken depending on the patient's overall condition. However, if there is an obstruction, it's essential to take action to remove it or provide ventilation support. While monitoring heart rate, initiating CPR, or providing supplemental oxygen are important components of patient care, they should follow the airway assessment. Without a patent airway, any intervention such as ventilation or medication delivery may be ineffective. Consequently, the focus on airway assessment aligns with the fundamental principles of the ABCs of emergency care: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.