Airway

Question 1

what kind of adjunct is a Guedel?

Answer 1

an oropharngeal airway

Question 2

how to size an oropharyngeal airway?

Answer 2

from middle of incisors to angle of jaw

generally sizes 2 (green) -3 (orange) in adults

Question 3

T/F: OPAs are generally well tolerated in conscious patients

Answer 3

false

they are inserted under direct view with tongue depressor and poorly tolerated in conscious and semi-conscious

Tolerating an OPA is a good indicator that advanced airway support may be required

Question 4

T/F: nasopharyngeal airways are better tolerated than OPAs

Answer 4

true

Question 5

when are NPAs particularly useful

Answer 5

in seizing patients with trismus

Question 6

Insertion of NPA?

Answer 6

Size roughly equates to diameter of patient’s little finger (usually sizes 6-7)

Insert GENTLY perpendicular to face (following floor of nose)- can cause trauma from bleeding if too rough

Question 7

Contraindications to NPA?

Answer 7

any signs of base of skull fracture (periorbital bruising, CSF rhinorrheoa/otorrhoea, Battle’s sign)

Question 8

T/F: you can insert both an oral airway and a nasal airway if necessary

Answer 8

true

Question 9

name some advanced airway techniques

Answer 9

1. endotracheal intubation
2. laryngeal mask airways
3. surgical airways e.g. needle cricothyrotomy

If you are even considering these an anaesthetist should be on their way