Airway Management Flashcards
What is meant by a stepwise approach to airway management?
Start with the least invasive means first
First- check the airway for anything that could be easily removed or suctioned out
Next head-tilt chin lift or jaw thrust
Then airway adjuncts
How should the mask fit on a patient’s face when bag and masking?
Bridge of the nose to the chin
What signs help to see if you are ventilating the patient properly?
Rise and fall of the sternum Condensation in the equipment Tidal CO2 on recorder Oxygen saturations Auscultate the lungs- do this if endotracheal to check for bilateral breath sounds
How can you check if an OP airway fits?
It should run from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the mandible
When might an OP airway be considered?
Temporary airway if the airway is compromised in patients- prevents the tongue obstructing the airway.
It is not a permanent airway solution.
Describe how an OP airway is inserted?
Initially pointing upwards (tip towards the roof of mouth)
Move along the hard palate to the back of the mouth
Twist 180 degrees at the back to shift the tongue out of the way
How is a nasopharyngeal airway sized?
Measured from the tip of the nose to the tragus of the ear
How is a nasopharyngeal airway inserted?
Check that the nares are patent
With the bevel facing the nasal septum and it should be well lubricated
This is the slope facing the septum
When is a nasopharyngeal airway contraindicated?
Base of skull fracture
How is an I-gel inserted?
Lubricate the I-gel
Open the airway with head tilt chin lift
Push the device into the airway till resistance is felt
Check for good chest rise, attach capnography and bag valve attachments
Secure in place with tape or strap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qatGyHwVIOc
How is an I-gel sized?
Weight ranges are provided on the I-gels themselves
How can you check to see if a patient is being properly ventilated?
Rise and fall of the sternum Condensation on the bag and mask set Capnography O2 Sats Ventilate the lung fields and check for bilateral air entry
When are airway adjuncts indicated?
They’re indicated when the patient cannot maintain their own airway. They should be used after failure of head tilt chin lifts or jaw thrusts to create a patent airway.
Why is a nasopharyngeal airway contraindicated in base of skull fracture?
Risk of passing through cribriform plate into the brain
