CH 9: Airway Manegement Flashcards
airway
the passageway by which air enters and leaves the body. The structures of the airway are the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. See also patent airway
bronchoconstriction (BRON-ko-kun-STRIK-shun)
the contraction of smooth muscle that lines the bronchial passages that results in a decreased internal diameter of the airway and increased resistance to airflow
gag reflex
vomiting or retching that results when something is placed in the back of the pharynx. This is tied to the swallow reflex
glottic opening
the level of the vocal cords that defines the boundary between the upper and lower airways
head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver
a means of correcting blockage of the airway by the tongue by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Used when no trauma, or injury, is suspected
jaw-thrust maneuver
a means of correcting blockage of the airway by moving the jaw forward without tilting the head or neck. Used when trauma or injury is suspected to open the airway without causing further injury to the spinal cord in the neck
nasopharyngeal (NAY-zo-fah-RIN-jeul) airway
a flexible breathing tube inserted through the patient’s nostril into the pharynx to help maintain an open airway
oropharyngeal (OR-o-fah-RIN-jeul) airway
a curved device inserted through the patient’s mouth into the pharynx to help maintain an open airway
patent airway
an airway (passage from nose or mouth to lungs) that is open and clear and will remain open and clear without interference to the passage of air into and out of the body
stridor (STRI-dor)
a high-pitched sound generated from partially obstructed airflow in the upper airway.
suctioning
use of a vacuum device to remove blood, vomitus, and other secretions or foreign materials from the airway
