Ch. 11 Airway Management Flashcards
Aerobic metabolism
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen; the main by-product is CO2.
Aerosol-generating procedure
Any airway manipulation that induces the production of aerosols that may present a risk for airborne transmission of pathogens, such as CPR.
Agonal gasps
Abnormal breathing patter characterized by slow, gasping breaths, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest.
Airway
The upper airway tract or the passage above the larynx, which includes the nose, mouth, and throat.
Alveolar minute volume
The volume of air moved through the lungs in 1 minute minus the dead space; calculated by multiplying tidal volume (minus dead space) and respiratory rate
(TV - dead space) X RR = alveolar minute volume
Or:
Alveolar volume X RR = alveolar minute volume
Alveolar ventilation
The volume of air that reaches the alveoli. It is determined by subtracting the amount of dead space from the tidal volume.
TV - dead space = Alveolar volume
American Standard Safety System
A safety system for large oxygen cylinders, designed to prevent the accidental attatchment of a regulator to a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas.
Anaerobic metabolism
The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid.
Apnea
The absence of spontaneous breathing.
Apneic oxygenation
A technique in which oxygen administered via a high flow nasal canula is left in place during an intubation attempt, allowing for continuous oxygen delivery into the airways during all phases of the procedure.
Aspiration
In the context of the airway, introduction of vomitus or other foreign material into the lungs.
Ataxic respirations
Irregular, ineffective respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern.
Automatic transport ventilator (ATV)
A ventillation device attached to a control box that allows the variables of ventilation (i.e. rate, tidal volume, etc.) to be set. It frees the EMT to perform other tasks while the patient is being ventilated.
Bag-mask device
A device with a one-way valve and a face mask attached to a ventilation bag; when attached to a reservoir and connected to oxygen, it delivers more than 90% supplemental oxygen.
Barrier device
A protective item, such as a pocket mask with a valve, that limits exposure to a patient’s body fluids.
Bilateral
A body part or condition that appears on both sides of the midline.
Bronchioles
Subdivision of the smaller bronchi in the lungs; made of smooth muscle and dilate or constrict in response to various stimuli.
Capnography
A noninvasive method to quickly and efficiently provide information on a patient’s ventilatory status, circulation, and metabolism. It effectively measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in expired air over time.
Capnometry
The use of a capnometer, a device that measures the amoungt of expired carbon dioxide.
Carina
Point at which the trachea bifurcates (divides) into left and right main stem bronchi.
Chemoreceptors
Monitor the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH of the cerebrospinal fluid and then provide feedback to the respiratory centers to modify the rate and depth of breathing based on the body’s needs at any given time.
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
A cyclical pattern of abnormal breathing that increases and then decreases in rate and depth, followed by a period of apnea.
Compliance
The ability of alveoli to expand when air is drawn in during inhalation.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
A method of ventilation used primarily in the treatment of critically ill patients with respiratory distress; can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation.
Dead space
Any portion of the airway that does contain air and cannot participate in gas exchange, such as the trachea and bronchi.
Denitrogenation
The process of replacing nitrogen in the lungs with oxygen to maintain a normal oxygen saturation level during advanced airway management.
Diffusion
Movement of gas from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Direct laryngoscopy
Visualization of the airway with a larygoscope.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing.
Endotracheal (ET) intubation
Insertion of an endotracheal tube directly through the larynx between the vocal chords and into the trachea to maintain and protect an airway.
End-tidal CO2
The amount of carbon dioxide present at the end of an exhaled breath.
Esophageal intubation
Improper placement of an advanced airway device into the esophagus rather than into the trachea.
Exhalation
The passive part of the breathing process in which the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles relax, forcing air out of the lungs.
External respiration
The exchange of gasses between the lungs and the blood cells in the pulmonary capillaries; also called pulmonary respiration.
Gag reflex
A normal reflex mechanism that causes retching; activated by touching the soft palate or the back of the throat.
Gastric distension
A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation.