Chapter 22: Acute Tracheobrachial Obstruction

Question 1

Acute Tracheobrachial Obstruction

Answer 1

• requires immediate treatment

- obstruction may be complete or partial

Question 2

Causes of Acute Tracheobrachial Obstruction

Answer 2

• aspiration of foreign body (most often in right lung)
• malpositioned endotracheal tube
• laryngospasm
• epiglottis
• trauma
• swelling (from smoke inhalation)
• postsurgical blood clot
• compression of bronchus/trachea (tumor, or enlarged lymphnodes)

Question 3

Clinical Manifestations of Complete Acute Tracheobrachial Obstruction

Answer 3

• no air movement heard with auscultation
• making inspiratory chest movements
• inability to talk
• tachycardia
• cyanosis
• Rapid progression to unconciousness

Question 4

Clinical Manifestations of Partial Acute Tracheobrachial Obstruction

Answer 4

• stridor (abnormal high pitched breathing sound)
• sternal and intercostal reactions
• wheezing
• nasal flaring
• tachypnea, dyspnea
• tachycardia
• use of accessory muscles
• cyanosis

Question 5

Diagnosis of Acute Tracheobrachial Obstruction

Answer 5

• based on clinical features
• ABG (hypoxemia, hypercarbia)
• Chest X Ray (location of obstruction)

Question 6

Treatment of Acute Tracheobrachial Obstruction

Answer 6

• open obstructed airway as soon as possible
• back blows or Heimlich to expel foreign body
• suction
• emergency tracheostomy