Airway

Question 1

Normal Breathing

(Pattern = rate-depth-rhythm)

Answer 1

Regular, unlabored breathing
[12-20 breaths/min = adult rate]
[18-30 bpm = 6-12yrs]
[22-34 bpm = 3-6yrs]
[24-40 bpm = 1-3yrs]
[30-50 bpm = 6mo-1yr]
[30-60 bpm = birth- 6mo]

Question 2

Hyperventilation

Answer 2

RAPID & DEEP, ⬆️ rate
Abnormal breathing

Question 3

Agonal Respirations

Answer 3

Ineffective gasping _shallow _irregular abnormal breaths

(occurs near death or severe respiratory stress-possible respiratory arrest)

Question 4

Cheyenne-Stokes Respiration

Answer 4

Breathing interrupted by periods of apnea (no breath) followed by ⬆️ then ⬇️ breaths

[possible heart failure, stroke or neurological issue]

Question 5

Biot’s Respiration

Answer 5

Irregular breathing: periods of apnea (no breath) then clusters of rapid, shallow breaths

[patients w neurological damage to brainstem]

Question 6

Ventilation

Answer 6

Mechanical process of moving air in & out of lungs

Question 7

Respiration

Answer 7

EXTERNAL: act of inhaling & exhaling

INTERNAL: gas exchange between blood & body cells

Question 8

Tachypnea

Answer 8

Abnormally fast respiratory rate

Question 9

Apneustic Breathing

Answer 9

Prolonged inspiration pauses followed by ineffective exhalation

Question 10

Hypoventilation

Answer 10

Slow, shallow breathing

Question 11

Wheezing lung sounds

Question 12

Crackle lung sounds

Question 13

Rhonchi lung sounds

Question 14

Stridor lung sounds

Question 15

Assess effort/quality of breathing - use of accessory muscles

Question 16

Assess effort/quality of breathing - tripod positioning

Question 17

Assess effort/quality of breathing -ability to speak in full sentences

Question 18

Pulse oximetry

Answer 18

Measures oxygen saturation in blood indicating oxygen levels

Question 19

Capnography

Answer 19

Measures carbon dioxide levels in exhaled breath- gives info about ventilation

Question 20

EMS airway interventions

Answer 20

Open & maintain airway (using maneuvers or airways adjuncts)

Administer oxygen

Assist with ventilation (BVM or mechanical ventilator)

Address underlying causes (heart failure/stroke contribute to respiratory distress)

Question 21

Signs of respiratory distress [need immediate medical care]

Answer 21

Nasal flaring
Fast or slow breathing rate
Chest retractions
Cyanosis (blue skin/lips)
Wheezing
Grunting

Question 22

Bradypnea

Answer 22

Abnormally slow respiratory rate

Question 23

Basic Airway management devices (adjuncts)

Answer 23

Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA): unconscious with NO gag reflex to keep tongue from blocking back of throat

Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA): flexible tube through nose to pharynx -semi unconscious or unconscious with gag reflex

Bag-Valve Mask (BVM): manual ventilation to give positive pressure when NOT breathing or inadequate breathing

Question 24

Advanced Airway management devices (adjuncts)