EMT Airway and Breathing Practice Exam

The scenario described indicates a need for positive-pressure ventilation assistance due to the patient being responsive only to pain and exhibiting a significantly low respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute, alongside shallow breathing. This combination implies inadequate ventilation, which means the patient is not able to effectively exchange gases, leading to potential hypoxemia or hypercapnia.

Inadequate respiratory rates, particularly below 10 breaths per minute, often warrant intervention as this may not be sufficient to maintain oxygenation and ventilation needs. Additionally, shallow breathing limits the volume of air exchanged, further compromising the patient's ability to get adequate oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Positive-pressure ventilation can help to force air into the lungs, ensuring that the patient receives the necessary oxygen and can effectively eliminate carbon dioxide.

Other scenarios do not present a need for such intervention. A patient who is responsive to verbal stimuli but has a slow respiratory rate (10 breaths/min) may still maintain adequate oxygenation in some cases, though it is borderline. An unresponsive patient who is breathing adequately may not need assistance as their respiratory function is sufficient. Lastly, a patient with a regular breathing pattern at 16 breaths/min is within the normal range and does not exhibit any signs of respiratory distress or need for positive-pressure ventilation.