Airway

Question 1

How do you assess an airway?

Answer 1

Look, listen, feel

Question 2

What do you need to look for?

Answer 2

Look for any cyanosis around the lips as this may be caused be hypoxia due to obstruction

Look for any airway obstruction eg vomit, blood, bolus, swelling or inflammation.

Look at the chest for movement. Use of accessory muscles may indicate partial obstruction.

Look for see saw breathing as this may indicate full airway obstruction

Question 3

Causes of airway obstruction?

Answer 3

• Reduced GCS
• Vomit/ blood
• Airway trauma
• foreign body
• Odema eg burns / anaphylaxis

Question 4

What noises can be heard from an airway?

Answer 4

Snoring - occlusion of the upper airway

Gurgling - Occlusion of the airway due liquid or semi liquid material

Stridor - Obstruction if the upper airway

Wheeze - obstruction of the lower airway.

Question 5

How do you maintain an airway?

Answer 5

1) Airway manoeuvres
Head tilt chin lift / Jaw thrust

2) Airway adjunct
OPA / NPA

3) I-Gel

4) Intubation