Airway Equipment and Setup

Question 1

In what units are oral airways (OAW) sized?

Answer 1

Cm

Question 2

In what units are nasal airways (NAW) sized?

Answer 2

French scale (OD)

Question 3

Oral airways (OAW) are primarily used for what two purposes?

Answer 3

1. to help establish a patent, unobstructed airway when a face mask is used. 2. as a bite block to prevent the patient from biting on the ET tube during emergencies.

Question 4

What is occluded when a patient’s tongue falls posteriorly?

Answer 4

The oropharynx

Question 5

When a patient’s airway is occluded, what two items can be used to maintain ventilation.

Answer 5

An oral or nasal airway

Question 6

Oral airways usually require what to facilitate insertion?

Answer 6

A tongue blade

Question 7

Why does the distal end of the nasal airway have a cone or ring?

Answer 7

To prevent it from slipping into the pharynx, esophagus, or trachea.

Question 8

What is another name for a nasal airway (NAW)?

Answer 8

A trumpet

Question 9

Name the items in this image

Answer 9

Mask, elbow, straight/flexi connector, filter, circuit tube(s), CO2 sample line

Question 10

Mask ventilation should be maintained until when?

Answer 10

All intubtion equipment is on hand and checked out.

Question 11

What is a Yankauer (tonsil) suction?

Answer 11

A suction device used to remove large volumes of fluid from a patient’s upper airway

Question 12

What is the primary goal of airway management?

Answer 12

To oxygenate the patient

Question 13

Name the five basic pieces of equipment required to oxygenate and ventilate a patient

Answer 13

• an oxygen source
• an oral or nasal airway
• a face mask
• a resusitation bag
• a reliable suction aparatus

Question 14

What is the name for a curved laryngoscope?

Answer 14

A Macintosh (MAC) blade

Question 15

What is the name for a straight laryngoscope?

Answer 15

A Miller blade

Question 16

Name the flap that is attached to the entrance of the larynx and projects obliquely upwards behind the tongue and the hyoid bone, pointing dorsally.

Answer 16

Epiglottis

Question 17

into what is the tip of the curved laryngoscope blade placed?

Answer 17

The vallecula

Question 18

All anesthesia carts should contain at least which four blades?

Answer 18

MAC 3 & 4 and Miller 2 & 3

Question 19

When should the batteried on the laryngoscopes be changes?

Answer 19

When the light on the scope is not blinding

Question 20

Name this item

Answer 20

Endotracheal tube (ETT)

Question 21

What is a stylet?

Answer 21

A malleable metal or plastic stent over which an endotracheal tube is passed

Question 22

The stylet should be advanced within the endotracheal tube (ETT) until what?

Answer 22

Until the tip is just above the Murphy eye in the distal end of the tube

Question 23

After advancing a stylet into the endotracheal tube to just above the Murphy eye, what should you do at the circuit end of the tube

Answer 23

Bend the stylet so that it can advance no further

Question 24

Name and Purpose

Answer 24

Magill forcepts

To retrieve foreign bodies from the airway.

Question 25

What is the purpose of a Gum elastic catheters or bougies (GEB), also known as endotracheal tube introducers?

Answer 25

It is used to advance the endotracheal tube. A small endotracheal tube is then advanced over the bougie into the glottis, the bougie is then withdrawn and correct placement of the endotracheal tube is confirmed.

Question 26

What are the four basic types of tape and what are their purposes?

Answer 26

Paper – IVs if patient is allergic to other tapes Plastic – IVs; eyes; LMAs; nasal cannula Silk – ETTs; NGs (nasogastric tube) Pink – ETTs; LMAs; especially used in pediatrics; very sticky

Question 27

Name this item

Answer 27

Laryngeal mask airway

Question 28

What are the two reasons for using a tube tree (tube holder)?

Answer 28

- Provides support to the anesthesia breathing circuit. - Reduces tension on the endotracheal tube

Question 29

Name the eight basic items you are required to have available to intubate a patient

Answer 29

an oxygen source an oral or nasal airway a face mask a resuscitation bag a reliable suction apparatus a laryngoscope an endotracheal tube a stylet

Question 30

Name the six recommended adjunct items to set up in the OR

Answer 30

Magill forceps Intubating catheters ET tube tape Eye tape Tube tree (holder) LMA

Question 31

Review the seven important rules to follow. (No need to memorize)

Answer 31

* Learn to examine the airway quickly. * Know the various equipment options available for airway support and instrumentation. * Choose the correct piece of equipment for the job. Consider backup equipment and techniques. * Ensure oxygen and suction are always available. * Never leave the patient with an airway problem unattended. * Do not forget the basics in the case of equipment failure. * Get immediate help when doubt or unanticipated difficulty is encountered with a patient’s airway. Waste no time in preventing the irreversible sequelae of hypoxia!