Airway Management Flashcards
What does the sniff position do?
aligns the axis’ of the airway
opens airway up for better intubation
What are the 3 axis’ of the airway?
- oral airway
- pharyngeal airway
- laryngeal airway
Identify the 4 types of airway obstruction.
- soft tissue obstruction (tongue)
- swelling
- laryngospasm
- bronchospasm
What are the causes of soft tissue obstruction?
anesthetized tongue loses tone, occludes posterior pharynx
What are the treatments for soft tissue obstruction?
- chin lift
- jaw thrust
- nasal airway
- oral airway
How do oral & nasal airways help obstruction?
both lift tongue off posterior pharynx
How do you size a nasal airway?
length from nares meatus of ear
diameter of pt’s pinky
What are the causes of airway swelling?
- traumatic intubation/multiple laryngoscopies
- anaphylaxis (allergic rxn)
- burned patient
- fluid overload
What are the stages of anesthesia?
Stage 1: pt awake
Stage 2: pt lightly anesthetized
Stage 3: pt deeply anesthetized
Stage 4: anesthesia OD
What stage are pt’s most likely to laryngospasm at?
Stage 2 bc 1/2 awake, 1/2 asleep
What is the cause of laryngospasms?
vocal cord stimulation during stage 2
- ETT
- secretions
Should you extubate during stage 2?
No!
Wait until stage 1 or 3 to extubate
What are the treatments for laryngospasms?
- jaw thrust
- airway P w/ mask
- Propofol
- succ
(relaxes vocal cords bc taking to deeper sedation)
What is a bronchospasm?
irritation in lungs that leads to irritation or constriction
What are the possible causes of bronchospasms?
- ETT
- light anesthesia
- anaphylaxis (allergic rxn)
- aspiration
- Desflurane
Who is more at risk for bronchospasms?
asthmatics & smokers
What are the treatments for bronchospasms?
If light anesthesia was the cause...
- give Prop
All other causes...
- give bronchodilators
1. Beta-2 agonists (inhaler)
2. epinephrine
3. volatile agentHow do you treat pt coughing on tube?
- dose of muscle relaxant
- deeper anesthesia (volatile agent or narcotics)
- LTA kit
What the difference b/t regurge & vomiting?
Regurge is passive reflux
Vomiting is active reflux
What is the cause of regurge?
↓ in lower esophageal tone
How do you prevent regurge?
cricoid P
How do you prevent vomiting?
- Trendelenburg position
- lay head to side
- suction
What is aspiration?
contents of stomach enter lungs
