Upper Airway Obstruction (Adults) CPG Notes Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the primary care objective for adult stridor management?
To identify and treat potential airway obstruction urgently, based on severity.
What does stridor in an adult indicate?
An airway obstruction of ≥ 50% of the internal diameter of the upper airway.
How should adult stridor be treated?
As an emergency.
Can stridor be mistaken for asthma?
Yes, but bronchodilators are ineffective in stridor.
Where is stridor loudest on auscultation?
Loudest in the upper lung fields and trachea.
What is the most common cause of acute onset stridor?
Infectious origin, e.g., epiglottitis, Ludwig’s Angina, foreign body, or allergy.
What are chronic causes of stridor?
Congenital or acquired structural abnormalities, including tumours.
What should be done if a patient has a history of stridor?
Follow their action plan, if available.
What if stridor is due to airway burns?
Treat as per CPG A0805 Burns.
What determines the urgency of intervention for stridor?
The patient’s degree of respiratory distress.
Who is more likely to need intervention – acute or chronic onset?
Acute onset stridor.
Why should stridor prompt difficult airway planning?
Because intubation is likely to be difficult, and supraglottic techniques may be ineffective.
What guideline should be consulted if stridor requires airway management?
CPG A0303 Difficult Airway Guideline.
What must paramedics do if transferring a stridor patient inter-hospitally without intubation?
Notify Adult Retrieval Victoria (ARV) and formulate a plan to manage the airway en route.
