Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

Which condition could indicate a need for intubation during an allergic reaction?

1. Increased respiratory rate

2. Stridor and difficulty breathing

3. Swelling of the abdomen

4. Chest pain upon inhalation

The correct answer is: Stridor and difficulty breathing

Intubation during an allergic reaction is typically indicated by the presence of stridor and difficulty breathing. Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound resulting from turbulent airflow in the upper airway, often due to obstruction or swelling in that area. In the context of an allergic reaction, particularly anaphylaxis, edema can occur in the larynx and surrounding tissues, leading to this characteristic sound. Difficulty breathing suggests that the airway is compromised, and intubation may be necessary to ensure airway patency and adequate oxygenation. Increased respiratory rate can indicate distress or a compensatory mechanism in response to inadequate oxygenation, but it does not specifically point to a need for intubation on its own. Swelling of the abdomen may suggest gastrointestinal involvement of an allergic reaction but does not directly affect the airway. Chest pain upon inhalation could be indicative of a variety of respiratory issues but does not specifically signify the need for intubation in the context of an allergic reaction. Therefore, the presence of stridor and difficulty breathing is the most compelling reason for intubation in this scenario.