North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What indicates inadequate ventilation?

1. Chest rising too high

2. Heart rate returning to normal

3. No chest rise or fall

4. Increased patient age

The correct answer is: No chest rise or fall

Inadequate ventilation is indicated by the absence of chest rise or fall. This lack of movement suggests that air is not being effectively moved in and out of the lungs, which is a critical aspect of the respiratory process. For a patient to properly ventilate, the chest must rise as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, allowing air to enter the lungs, and fall as these muscles relax, expelling carbon dioxide. When there is no observable chest rise or fall, it strongly points to a failure in this process, which could be due to several conditions such as airway obstruction, severe respiratory distress, or inadequate effort from the patient. Recognizing this sign is crucial for emergency personnel, as it directs them to take immediate action to secure the airway and ensure adequate ventilation is restored. The other options do not directly indicate inadequate ventilation. For example, the degree of chest rise does not equate to inadequate ventilation as long as some movement is present, and heart rate returning to normal can occur for various reasons unrelated to ventilatory effectiveness. Increased patient age is a demographic factor that may influence overall health but does not specifically inform about ventilation adequacy in an immediate clinical context.