ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which condition indicates the need for a tracheostomy?

1. Tracheal obstruction above the larynx

2. Tracheal obstruction below the larynx

3. Tracheal inflammation

4. Respiratory infection

The correct answer is: Tracheal obstruction below the larynx

A tracheostomy is indicated in cases of tracheal obstruction below the larynx. This condition prevents air from properly reaching the lungs due to blockage in the lower airways, where the trachea is situated. The primary purpose of a tracheostomy is to bypass the obstructed area, allowing for adequate ventilation and oxygenation. In situations where the obstruction is located above the larynx, other interventions may be more appropriate, as the airway can often be managed through the upper structures. Conditions like tracheal inflammation or respiratory infection may lead to distress but do not necessarily warrant a tracheostomy unless there is a significant obstruction that impedes airflow. Understanding the anatomical context of tracheal obstruction is crucial for determining the appropriate intervention, which in this case emphasizes the importance of the location of the blockage.