New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is a critical respiratory consideration for infants until they are approximately 6 months old?

1. They should breathe through their mouths

2. They will breathe more efficiently when lying on their stomachs

3. They may suffer respiratory distress if their noses become obstructed

4. They can use nasal cannulas safely for oxygen

The correct answer is: They may suffer respiratory distress if their noses become obstructed

Infants until they are about 6 months old have a unique anatomical and physiological characteristic that makes them highly dependent on nasal breathing. They are obligate nasal breathers, which means that they primarily breathe through their noses rather than their mouths. If their nasal passages become obstructed due to mucus, swelling, or another condition, they can quickly experience respiratory distress because they are not able to compensate effectively by breathing through their mouths. This is a crucial consideration for caregivers and healthcare providers, as proper air exchange is vital for their health and safety. Other options do not reflect the critical nature of nasal passage patency for infants. Mouth breathing is not typical for infants and could lead to further complications. While the position of infants during sleep can impact their breathing, lying on their stomachs is not necessarily the safest or most efficient position for respiration. Finally, while nasal cannulas can be effective for providing supplemental oxygen, they require careful consideration in infants, as their reliance on nasal breathing necessitates a cautious approach to ensure the proper delivery of oxygen, which is not the primary concern when discussing critical respiratory considerations for this age group.