Airway Management

Question 1

Positional manoeuvres to open airway

Answer 1

Head tilt
Chin lift - avoid if concerns about cervical spine injury
Jawthrust

Question 2

Oropharyngeal airway

Answer 2

Easy to insert and use
No paralysis needed

Good for v short procedures
Bridge to definitive airway

Question 3

Laryngeal mask/iGel

Answer 3

Easy to insert and use
Placed over larynx
No paralysis needed

Often used in day surgery
Can attach ventilation bag

No protection against reflux
Not suitable for high pressure ventilation

Question 4

Tracheostomy

Answer 4

DEFINITIVE AIRWAY

Used in long term ventilation in ICU
Can attach ventilation bag/machine

Humidified air usually needed

Question 5

Endotracheal tube

Answer 5

DEFINITIVE AIRWAY
Paralysis needed

Can be used for long or short term ventilation
Higher ventilation pressure can be used

Errors may lead to esophageal intubation
MONITOR END TIDAL CO2

Question 6

Nasopharyngeal airway

Answer 6

Ideal for patients having seizures, decreased GCS

Avoid in basal skull rractures