Airway Management Flashcards
Why is it important to maintain a patent airway?
Loss of consciousness often leads to airway compromise or obstruction, which affects ventilation and oxygenation.
What are the three main methods of airway maintenance?
Supraglottic airway devices, infraglottic airway devices, and surgical airways.
What are examples of supraglottic (upper) airway devices?
Oro/naso-pharyngeal airway, laryngeal mask airway, i-gel.
What are examples of infraglottic (lower) airway devices?
Endotracheal tube, combitube, laryngeal tube.
Name two surgical airways.
Cricothyroidotomy, tracheostomy.
Describe the shape and use of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA).
A J-shaped device, e.g., Guedel’s airway, inserted through the mouth to maintain airway patency.
What sizes are available for oropharyngeal airways?
Sizes range from neonate to large adult (Paediatric sizes 000-2; Adult sizes 3-5).
How do you size an oropharyngeal airway?
Measure from the angle of the mouth to the earlobe or centre of the incisor to the angle of the jaw.
What happens if an oropharyngeal airway is too large?
It may obstruct the larynx or cause trauma.
What are the risks of using an oropharyngeal airway that is too small?
It may push the base of the tongue posteriorly, leading to airway obstruction.
How do you insert an oropharyngeal airway in adults?
Open the mouth, insert the airway in an upside-down position, rotate it 180°, and advance until it lies in the pharynx.
What is the correct insertion technique for an oropharyngeal airway?
The airway is inserted upside down, then rotated 180° to prevent pushing the tongue backwards.
What is a nasopharyngeal airway?
An airway device inserted through the nose to bypass the mouth and oropharynx.
When is a nasopharyngeal airway contraindicated?
Contraindicated in cases of fractured skull base or nasal trauma.
How do you size a nasopharyngeal airway?
Measure from the tip of the nose to the earlobe, and diameter should be equal to or smaller than the patient’s little finger.
Describe the insertion steps for a nasopharyngeal airway.
Select size, lubricate the device, insert bevel end vertically with slight twisting, and ensure it rests against the nasal opening.
What is a laryngeal mask airway (LMA)?
An alternative to facemasks or tubes, placed above the larynx.
What are the indications for using a laryngeal mask airway?
Used during general anaesthesia, short surgical procedures, CPR, or when quick airway patency is needed.
What are the contraindications for using a laryngeal mask airway?
Limited mouth opening, facial trauma, risk of aspiration, etc.
List some advantages of using a laryngeal mask airway.
Quick placement, minimal expertise needed, stable hemodynamics, and improved oxygen saturation.
List some disadvantages of using a laryngeal mask airway.
Inadequate positive pressure ventilation, risk of aspiration, sore throat, and nerve damage.
What is an i-gel airway device?
A supraglottic airway device made from gel-like material, with a bite-block and narrow drain tube.
What is a ProSeal LMA?
A reusable LMA with a drain tube, posterior cuff, reinforced airway tube, and high seal pressure.
What is a LMA-Supreme?
A second-generation LMA with an inflatable plastic cuff, oesophageal drain tube, and semi-rigid tube.
