JBL EMT Practice Exam

You are dispatched to an apartment complex where a 21-year-old female has apparently overdosed on several narcotic medications. She is semiconscious and has slow, shallow respirations. You should:

1. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask and transport at once

2. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation

3. insert an oropharyngeal airway and perform oral suctioning

4. place her in the recovery position and monitor for vomiting

The correct answer is: insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation

In this scenario, the 21-year-old female is described as being semiconscious with slow, shallow respirations, indicating possible respiratory depression due to the overdose of narcotic medications. The correct course of action in such a situation would be to insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation. By inserting an airway, you can ensure that the airway remains open and clear, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs and be circulated throughout the body. Assisted ventilation will support the patient's breathing, helping to improve oxygenation and ventilation. This intervention is crucial in preventing further deterioration of the patient's condition. Applying oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask and transporting at once might not address the immediate need for airway management and assisted ventilation in a patient with compromised respiratory status like in this case. Inserting an oropharyngeal airway and performing oral suctioning could be inappropriate as it may stimulate the gag reflex and potentially cause vomiting in a semiconscious patient. Placing the patient in the recovery position and monitoring for vomiting is not the most appropriate action in this situation where respiratory support is urgently needed to address the compromised breathing. Therefore, the best course of action in this scenario is to insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation for the patient.