Basic Airway Management Techniques

Question 1

How to position a patient in the sniffing position

Answer 1

Elevate the patient’s head to the point that the ear and the sternal notch are aligned horizontally

Question 2

Benefits of the sniffing (or ramped in obese patients) position

Answer 2

Maximizes upper airway patency allowing for effective ventilation

Question 3

Posterior displacement of _____________ is often the cause of airway obstruction in unconscious patients or those with a decreased LOC.

Answer 3

The tongue

Question 4

How to perform the head-tilt/chin-lift

Answer 4

Place the palm of one hand on the patient’s forehead, and use firm downward pressure to tilt the head back. Two fingers of the other hand are then placed under the bony part of the chin and lift the jaw anteriorly; avoid soft tissues of the neck and chin

Question 5

This manual airway technique can be performed on patients with suspected c-spine injuries

Answer 5

Jaw thrust

Question 6

S/S of a complete airway obstruction

Answer 6

Begin by asking pt if they are choking, look for the universal sign for choking

Question 7

Treatment for partial airway obstruction

Answer 7

Do not perform abdominal thrusts. Allow pt to maintain a position of comfort, and provide oxygen as needed per local protocols. Monitor for changes

Question 8

Limit suctioning to no more than _____ seconds

Answer 8

10

Question 9

Hard/rigid catheters can only be used in this airway

Answer 9

Oropharyngeal airway

Question 10

Procedure for inserting an oropharyngeal adjunct

Answer 10

Gently insert the OPA upside down into the mouth, and advance the airway until resistance is met at the pharynx. When resistance is met, rotate the OPA 180º (right side up) while inserting the remainder of the adjunct OR insert directly using a tongue depressor to compress the tongue