Basic Life Support

Question 1

Signs of Upper Airway Obstruction - Snoring & Gurgling

Answer 1

• Snoring: Caused by the soft tissues of the mouth and pharynx. Often
  it accompanies the reduced muscle tone of a lowered level of consciousness.
• Rattling or gurgling: the sound of fluids in the
  upper airway

Question 2

Signs of Upper Airway Obstruction - Stridor, drooling, hoarseness

Answer 2

Stridor: a harsh, ‘crowing’ noise, which is heard best in inspiration. Suggests obstruction at the level of the
larynx and upper trachea. General illness and temperature usually indicate an infection causing swelling. Obstruction by a foreign body is the other main cause.

• Drooling: the inability to swallow saliva. It suggests blockage at the back of the throat.
• Hoarseness: gross voice change. This suggests obstruction at the level of the larynx.

Question 3

What to do in cases of suspected supraglottic swelling

Answer 3

In cases of suspected supraglottic swelling,
examination or instrumentation of the throat should not be carried out for fear of causing complete obstruction.

Question 4

What are the very late signs of airway obstruction?

Answer 4

Cyanosis and reduced haemoglobin saturation readings on a pulse oximeter (SpO2).

Question 5

What should you assess before any airway intervention

Answer 5

Assess the need for cervical spine protection.

Question 6

Airway Assessment - Responsiveness

Answer 6

Check for responsiveness
Is the patient alert and responsive to questions?
A verbal reply confirms that there is:
* a maintained and protected airway
* temporarily adequate breathing and circulation
* cerebral functioning

Question 7

What is the benefit of responsiveness in airway assessment?

Answer 7

If responsive, then the patient will usually be able to elaborate on the cause of the sudden deterioration
that has brought him or her to an ED

Question 8

What does failure to respond indicate - on airway assessment?

Answer 8

Indicates a significantly lowered
level of consciousness and therefore an airway that may be obstructed and is definitely at risk. There may be a need for airway-opening manoeuvres and action
to protect the airway.

Question 8

What does failure to respond indicate - on airway assessment?

Answer 8

Indicates a significantly lowered
level of consciousness and therefore an airway that may be obstructed and is definitely at risk. There may be a need for airway-opening manoeuvres and action
to protect the airway.