airway management

Question 1

Function of respiratory system

Answer 1

• Oxygenation
• Acid base balance
• Filters (immune)
• Metabolism

Question 2

Goals of airway management

Answer 2

• Assess the airway
• Clear the airway
• Maintain the airway
• Assess the effectiveness of the airway

Question 3

Signs of airway obstruction

Answer 3

• Gurgling - fluid in mouth or upper airway
• Snoring - physical obstruction in pharynx or upper airway , leading to partial obstruction
• Crowing/stridor - larygneal spasm
• Inspiratory stridor - obstruction above or at the level of the larynx
• Wheeze - narrowing of lower airway

Question 4

Assess the airway

Answer 4

• Best way approach pt
  -good indication - awake/talking pt appears clear
• Decreasing conscious –> impari ability to maintain airway
  GCS less then * generally unable to protect own airway, @ risk of vomiting

Question 5

3 step process to assess airway

Answer 5

Look (rise & fall)
- resp fast/slow
- pt colour 
- mouth/ lips - obstruction, vomit, loose teeth 
- position 
Listen  (rate, rhythm, depth) 
- Is it audible 
- location of sound (upper/lower)
Feel 
- unconscious pt, movement of air in & out

Question 6

Clear the airway

Answer 6

• Manoeuvres ( effective in most cases

- clear with suction, magills, etc.

Question 7

Maintain airway

Answer 7

• Position - Triple way (spinal cord injury - just jaw thrust) - most effective in clearing majority of issues
• Adjuncts - OPA, NPA, LMA, ETT

Question 8

Effectives of airway management

Answer 8

• Assess consciousness
• Rise & fall of chest
• Vital signs changes
• ETCO2
• SPO2 changes
• tachycardia
• pt colour