Airway assessment and management - PACU

Question 1

RF - supine

Answer 1

Higher risk of tongue falling to the back of the oropharynx

Question 2

RF - obese

Answer 2

Fleshy airway

Question 3

RF - COPD

Answer 3

Decreased air entry, ventilation/ perfusion mismatch

Question 4

RF - Hx of smoking

Answer 4

Decreased oxygen exchange at alveoli level

Question 5

RF - Airway anomalies - physiological

Answer 5

Obstructed airway, possible narrowing of airway

Question 6

RF - Older age

Answer 6

Decreased lung compliance and pulmonary efficiency

Question 7

RF - Unconscious

Answer 7

Loss of protective reflexes, muscle weakness, tongue may be obstructing the airway.

Question 8

RF - No airway institute

Answer 8

No LMA, Gudel to lift the tongue from the oropharynx including the risk of obstruction.

Question 9

RF - Patient intubated

Answer 9

Use of ETT may result in a risk of laryngospasm

Question 10

RF - Difficult intubation

Answer 10

Potential for obstructed airway, decreased SP02

Question 11

RF - Use of opioids

Answer 11

Decreases RR, depth and effort

Question 12

RF - General anaesthesia

Answer 12

Insufficient respiration

Question 13

RF - Use of neuromuscular blocking agents

Answer 13

Linked to aspiration, diminished response to hypoxia and obstruction of the airway

Question 14

RF - Over sedation

Answer 14

Decreased respiratory drive

Question 15

RF - Abdominal surgery

Answer 15

Pain decreases pt ability to deep breath leading to hypoxia.

Question 16

RF - Neck surgery

Answer 16

Potential for swelling, laryngeal oedema and pain

Question 17

RF - Emergency surgery

Answer 17

Pt at risk of aspiration due to not being fasted.

Question 18

RF - Long duration >3 hours

Answer 18

Slow emergence from anaesthesia, decreases respiratory effort and increases risk of hypoxia.

Question 19

What is shallow respiration a sign of

Answer 19

sign of continuing depression from anaesthesia, or perioperative meds.