Chapter 2 - Airway and Ventilatory Management Flashcards
Who should we administer supplemental oxygen to
All severely injured trauma patients
What is the first step towards identifying and managing potentially threatening airway compromise
Receognise signs of airway obstruction
Identify trauma or burn to the face, neck or larynx
What are the three priorities when managing airway
Ensure
- adequate airway
- adequate oxygenation
- adequate ventilation
What is a definitive airway
Tube placed in the trachea with the cuff inflated
Below the vocal cords
Connected to oxygen enriched assisted ventilation
Airway secured in place with appropriate stabilising method
How does laryngeal fracture present
Triad of symptoms
Hoarseness
Subcutaneous emphysema
Palpable fracture
How do we manage vomiting and risk of aspiration
Have suction equipment ready
Preps are to log roll the patient maintaining c spine
What are some signs of potential airway obstruction
Fractures compromising Naso/oropharynx Oropharyngeal haemorrhage Swelling Increased secretion Dislodged teeth Loss of airway structural support Altered GCS
How can penetrating and blunt trauma affect the airway
Vascular injury with significant haematoma - squashing the airway
Displacement and obstruction of the airway
Massive haemorrhage into the endobronchial tree
Airway obstruction from disruption of the larynx or trachea
Why is pulse oximetry nescessary
Because changes in oxygenation cannot be detected clinically and can occur rapidly
Must be used at all times
How can we manage a poorly fitting mask in a edentulous patient
Pack the space between the cheeks and the gums with gauze
why might a patient be belligerent or abusive
they may be hypoxic/ hypercarbic, don’t assume intoxication
what can cause abnormal breathing patterns and compromise adequacy of ventilation
intracranial injury
what can result in respiratory muscle paralysis or paresis
cervical spinal cord injury
what happens to the respiratory pattern in injuries below C3
maintain diaphragm function but lose intercostal and abdominal muscle contraction - seesaw breathing, abdominal breathing
