Airway Management Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the primary goal of airway management?
Maintain an open airway to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation
What are the signs of a compromised airway?
Cyanosis, labored breathing, abnormal breath sounds (stridor or wheezing), and an altered mental status
What is the first action if a patient has a suspected airway obstruction?
Assess and clear the airway by using head tilt maneuver, chin-lift, and jaw thrust
Why do we use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver?
To open the patient’s airway’ which it lifts the tongue off the back of the throat
When would we use the jaw thrust maneuver?
Whenever there is a suspected spinal injury: open the airway without moving the neck
What is an OPA?
A device inserted into the mouth to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway; patients who do not have a gag reflex
How do you size an OPA?
Corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw
What is an NPA?
A device inserted into the nose to maintain open airway: to patients who are conscious or semi-conscious and who cannot use an OPA
How do you size an NPA?
Tip of the nose to the earlobe
How long should we be suctioning patients who airways are compromised?
No more than 10 seconds in adults and no more than 5 seconds in infants/children
What is the purpose of a bag valve mask (BVM)
Used to deliver positive pressure ventilation to a patient who is not breathing or has ineffective breathing
what is the correct ventilation rate when using a bag valve mask (BVM) on an Adult?
5-6 seconds (10-12 breaths per minutes)
