Ch 07: Airway and Ventilation

Question 1

Suctioning

Answer 1

Process of removing foreign matter by means of a mechanical or manual device.

Question 2

How long do we suction for?

Answer 2

15 - 30 seconds in an outward motion or until the airway is clear.

Question 3

Suction Tip

Answer 3

A flexible or rigid piece of tubing attatched to the end of a suction device and placed in the mouth or throat of a patient.

Question 4

How to Measure a Suction Device

Answer 4

Measure the length from the patient’s earlobe to the corner of their mouth.

Question 5

Crossed Finger Technique

Answer 5

A way of opening a patient’s mouth by using the index finger and thumb, and pushing in an outward scissor motion.

• Cross the thumb and index finger
• Place the thumb on the patient’s lower front teeth
• Place the index finger on the upper front teeth
• Open mouth using a scissor motion

Question 6

Suction steps

Answer 6

• Measure the suction tip
• Remove an OPA if it is in the way
• Open the mouth using the crossed finger technique (CFT)
• Suction until the airway is clear in an outward motion
• Reinsert the OPA
• Apply oxygen

Question 7

Oropharyngeal Airway (O P A)

Answer 7

A device inserted into the mouth of an unconscious patient to keep the tongue off of the back of the throat.

Will not secure or maintain an airway on its own.

Question 8

Measuring an OPA

Answer 8

The device should be the length between the patient’s earlobe to the corner of their mouth.

Question 9

Insertion of an OPA

Answer 9

• Open the mouth using the CFT
• With the curved end of the OPA facing the roof of the mouth, insert the OPA
• As the tip of the device approaches the back of the throat, rotate it a half turn
• If patient gags, remove the device
• If patient does not gag, continue insertion until the flange of the OPA rests on the patient’s lips
• The OPA should drop in without resistance

Question 10

Oropharyngeal Airways in Babies and Children

Answer 10

If the usual method does not work, insert with tip pointing toward cheek, rotating 90 degrees to place it in the throat.

You may need to use a tongue depressor on babies and just insert in position without rotating.

Question 11

Nasopharyngeal Airway (N P A)

Answer 11

A tube placed in the nostril to assist in maintaining an airway.

Question 12

Measuring an NPA

Answer 12

Measure device from earlobe to the tip of the nose

Question 13

Insertion of an NPA

Answer 13

• Lubricate the airway
• Insert NPA with the bevel toward the septum
• Advance it gently and straight in until the flange rests against the nose

DO NOT USE ON HEAD / SPINE TRAUMA

Question 14

Epistaxis

Answer 14

Nose Bleed

Question 15

Resuscitation Mask

Answer 15

Pliable, dome shaped device placed over a patients nose and mouth to provide a barrier during rescue breathing.

Your RM should be pliable, have a one way valve, and an inlet for supplemental oxygen.

Question 16

Bag Valve Mask

Answer 16

A device consisting of a bag, a valve, and a mask. Used for assisted ventilations during rescue breathing.

Question 17

Nasal Cannula

Answer 17

A device placed slightly inside the nostril to deliver low flow oxygen to a conscious patient.

Question 18

Non-Rebreather Mask

Answer 18

A mask that fits over a patient’s nose and mouth that provides supplemental oxygen. Also has a little bag on it that fills up. Make sure that little bag is full before handing this to the patient.

Question 19

Oxygen Cylinder

Answer 19

A tank full of 100% medical grade oxygen characterized by a green or white color and yellow oxidizer placard.

Question 20

Formula to determine how long an oxygen tank will last

Answer 20

(((Gauge Pressure) - (200 psi)) x Cylinder Constant) / (L / minute)

ie:
M Tank = ((2000 psi - 200 psi)(1.56 L/psi)) / (15 L/min)
=187.2 minutes

Question 21

Cylinder Constant

Answer 21

D = 0.16 L/psi
E = 0.28 L/psi
M = 1.56 L/psi

Question 22

Pressure Regulator

Answer 22

Device that reduces the pressure of an O2 tank from approximately 2000 psi to a safe pressure range of 30 - 70 psi

Question 23

Flowmeter

Answer 23

Device that controls the amount of oxygen administered in litres per minute (lpm)

Question 24

How to Assemble an Oxygen Tank for Use

Answer 24

Inspect the tank for any damage and make sure it is labeled correctly

• Make sure the cylinder is full
• Remove the protective covering and keep the O-ring
• Open the cylinder for a brief second to clear the valve of debris.
• Position the gasket.
• Examine the pressure regulator to make sure the pin index corresponds to the O2 tank.
• Attach the pressure regulator, seating the prongs inside the holes in the valve stem.
• Hand tighten until snug
• Open the cylinder one full turn to check for leaks
• Check to see how much pressure is in the cylinder, full tanks should be around 2000 psi
• Attach the delivery device to the port
• Turn on the flowmeter to the desired flow rate
• Check to see that O2 is flowing through the delivery device.
• Inflate device bag, and hand to /place on patient

Question 25

Oxygen Cylinder Precautions

Answer 25

• Do not operate around open flame or sparks, or within close proximity to an AED
• Do not stand tank upright unless it is well secured
• Do not use grease, oil, or petroleum products to lubricate any parts. A severe chemical reaction could cause an explosion.