NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

How is airway assessed during an examination?

1. By measuring heart rate

2. By checking the color of the gums

3. By observing the rise and fall of the chest

4. By listening for wheezing sounds

The correct answer is: By observing the rise and fall of the chest

Airway assessment during an examination involves observing the rise and fall of the chest. This observation indicates whether air is moving in and out of the lungs effectively. A normal rise and fall suggest that the airway is clear and functioning properly, indicating that the individual is breathing adequately. In contrast, measuring heart rate does not provide direct information about the airway's status. While the color of the gums can give insights into oxygenation and circulation, it is not a primary method for assessing the airway itself. Listening for wheezing sounds can be part of a broader assessment related to respiratory difficulties but does not specifically assess airway patency in the same direct way as observing chest movement does. Thus, the most accurate approach to determining if the airway is clear and effective is by carefully watching for chest rise and fall.