Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

For a patient suffering from acute respiratory distress, which treatment provides immediate oxygenation?

1. Nasal cannula at low flow

2. Nonrebreathing mask at high flow

3. Bag-mask ventilation

4. Suctions as needed

The correct answer is: Nonrebreathing mask at high flow

Using a nonrebreathing mask at high flow delivers immediate oxygenation effectively to a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress. This method is designed to provide a high concentration of oxygen (up to 90-100%) directly to the patient's lungs. The nonrebreathing mask has a reservoir bag that fills with oxygen and allows the patient to inhale a higher fraction of inspired oxygen while preventing atmospheric air from entering, maximizing the oxygen delivered. In contrast, while a nasal cannula at low flow can provide supplemental oxygen, it does not deliver the same high concentration of oxygen and is generally insufficient for acute situations where rapid improvement in oxygenation is required. Bag-mask ventilation is also an effective method for delivering oxygen, particularly when assisting a patient who is not ventilating adequately, but it requires skill and may not be immediately applicable in every situation. Suctions are important for clearing airways but do not contribute directly to oxygenation. Therefore, the nonrebreathing mask at high flow is the most effective and immediate option for patients in acute respiratory distress.