Airway Flashcards
If a patient is alert, breathing and talking with no distress, their airway is..
Open
If a patient is unresponsive…
Perform the head tilt/chin lift or jaw thrust maneuver to access the airway
If the patient’s airway is open…
Move on to breathing
If the patient’s airway is NOT open..
Consider why and treat the problem (Anaphlaxis, partial obstruction, complete obstruction)
What is a partial obstruction?
Alert and only requires support
What are the signs of partial obstruction?
Coughing, wheezing, trouble brathing, difficulty speaking
How do you treat a partial obstruction?
Encourage the patient to keep coughing, follow the patient in case of full obstruction
What is a complete obstruction?
Alert and requires immediate intervention
What are the signs of a complete obstruction?
No sounds of breathing, no talking, no coughing, panicked hands across the neck
How do you treat a complete obstruction?
Obtain consent and give 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts. Repeat until obstruction is clear, or patient falls unconcious.
How do back blows and abdominal thrusts work?
The movement pushes the diaphragm upwards and the lungs are compressed. This results in increased air pressure that forces up the trachea to dislodge the object
How do you treat a complete obstruction (Unconcious)
-Immediately begin 30 chest compressions
-Check airway
-Attempt ventilation
-If air does not go in, repeat
A patient’s airway could become blocked whike unconcious because their tongue falls back. How do you secure it?
Oralpharyngeal airway
Bodily fluids might also obstruct the airway. How do you clear it?
Clear it with a suction unit
What is anaphlaxis?
A severe, life threatening allergic reaction
