Anatomic Obstruction Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the most common source of upper airway obstruction in an unresponsive patient?
The tongue
What types of patients are at risk of airway obstruction caused by the tongue?
Trauma patients,
patients in insulin shock,
patients who have had a seizure,
patients who are intoxicated
Who is at risk of upper airway obstruction?
Anyone with a decreased level of consciousness, particularly a person in a supine position
What is a sign that breathing is at least partially obstructed?
Sonorous (snoring) respiration
What are other signs of airway obstruction?
Gurgling, squeaking, or bubbling sounds during breathing
What may stridor be associated with during airway obstruction?
Accessory muscle use or retractions
What common action by bystanders can exacerbate airway obstruction?
Placing a pillow beneath the head of an unresponsive person
What should you do if the patient is snoring?
Remove the pillow and reposition the patient’s airway
What is one cause of obstructive sleep apnea?
Excessive soft tissue in the airway
What do some people do to limit anatomic obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea?
Have soft tissue surgically removed from the pharynx
How can the soft tissue of the upper airway be managed?
Manually displaced with a variety of basic maneuvers
What position should an unconscious patient be placed in if spinal motion restriction is unnecessary?
Recovery position
Why is the recovery position considered the safest for certain patients?
It reduces the risk of aspiration if the patient vomits
What types of patients benefit from being in the recovery position?
Patients who have had a seizure, are hypoglycemic, or are intoxicated
