CH 8: Airway Management - Concepts

Question 1

What are the three regions of the pharynx?

Answer 1

Oropharynx
Nasopharynx
Laryngopharynx

Question 2

What is the entry point to the larynx?

Answer 2

Glottic opening

Question 3

What is the purpose of the glottic opening?

Answer 3

Designed to seal off the trachea during swallowing or in response to the gag reflex.

Question 4

List the main structures of the airway.

Answer 4

Nose/mouth/tongue
Nasopharynx/oropharynx
Laryngopharynx
Epiglottis
Trachea
Larynx
Cricoid cartilage
Carina
Bronchi (right and left)
Bronchioles
Lungs
Alveoli (alveolar sacs)
Diaphragm

Question 5

What are some signs of inadequate airway in adults?

Answer 5

No signs of breathing
Evidence of foreign bodies
No air felt/heard
Unable to speak
No chest movements (or uneven)
Abdominal breathing
Breath sounds diminished
Noises heard during breathing

Nasal flaring - KIDS
Clavicle retractions - KIDS

Question 6

What causes most airway problems?

Answer 6

Lack of tone in muscle

Question 7

What are the two procedures for opening the airway? When are they used?

Answer 7

Head-tilt, chin-lift - NO SPINAL INJURY

Jaw-thrust - SPINAL INJURY SUSPECTED

Question 8

What is needed for a suction device to be effective?

Answer 8

At least 30 L/min at the open end of collection tube

Question 9

What is the name of a rigid pharyngeal suction tip?

Answer 9

Yankauer, tonsil sucker or tonsil-tip

Question 10

What is the name of a suction catheter?

Answer 10

French

Question 11

What are the three suction techniques?

Answer 11

Use appropriate infection control practices.
Try limiting suctioning to <10 seconds.
Place tip or catheter where you want to begin and work backward.