Chapter 14 - Obstructed airway

Question 1

Treatment of partially obstructed airway ( 3 things )

Answer 1

Position upright!

Encourage coughing until object is expelled.

If patient sees his coffee and cannot speak treat for total airway obstruction.

Question 2

Treatment of completely obstructed airway. (If conscious)

Answer 2

Apply abdominal thrusts ( Heinrich maneuver ) until object expelled or consciousness is regained

Question 3

Treatment of completely obstructed airway if unconscious (5 things)

Answer 3

1. Contact EMS
2. Position supine
3. Open airway and attempt to ventilate
4. If breath on able to enter lines re-position the head and attempt to ventilate.
5. begin chest compressions 30:2 for five cycles

Question 4

For other ways of treatment of completely obstructed airway if unconscious (4 things)

Answer 4

Inspect oral cavity

perform finger sweep if object apparent

if object not visible attempt another ventilation.

Report procedure until EMS arrives or breath enters lungs

Question 5

Treatment of aspirated object

Answer 5

Contact EMS

requires chest radiograph

if located on x-ray broncoscope it will likely be performed to remove the object

Question 6

If an aspirated object is left untreated it can cause

Answer 6

Inflammation infection ulceration and granulation tissue formation