Chapter 3: Tracheal Intubation Flashcards
What are the indications for tracheal intubation?
- Acute respiratory failure
- Inadequate oxygenation
- Airway protection in a patient with altered mental status
What are some of the clinical circumstances for the placement of endotracheal tubes?
- Patients receiving general anesthesia
- Surgery involving or adjacent to the airway
- Unconscious patients requiring airway protection
- Surgery involving unusual positioning
What is an absolute contraindication in the placement of an endotracheal tube?
Supraglottic or glottic pathology that precludes placement of an endotracheal tube through the glottis.
What are relative contraindications for the placement of endotracheal tubes?
- Involve potential difficulties performing the procedure
- Anatomically features
- Injuries
- Or illness
Where does the epiglottis lay?
At the base of the tongue
What is the essential landmark for direct laryngoscopy?
The epiglottis
What is the vallecula?
The cleft between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis into which a curved laryngoscope blade is placed
What are the essential preparations for direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation?
- Assess the patients airway for difficulty
- Pre-oxygenate
- Place a functioning suction device & bag-valve mask at the bedside
- Attach monitors: b.p., pulse ox. , cardiac
- Establish intravenous access
- Prepare all necessary medications for rapid sequence intubation, induction agent and neuromuscular blocking agent
What tools are needed to perform laryngoscopy?
- Laryngoscope handle and blade
- Endotracheal tubes and a stylet
- Bougie
- Oral and nasal airways
- Laryngeal mask airway
- End-tidal CO2 monitor
- Tape
How do you check the cuff of the endotracheal tube?
By inflating it and removing the syringe (the cuff should remain inflated) and then deflating it.
Tools and steps for tracheal intubation acronym.
S: suction T: Tools for intubation O: Oxygen P: Positioning M: Monitors A: assistant I: Intravenous access D: Drugs for pretreatment
What is the purpose of a laryngoscope?
To displace the mandible, tongue, epiglottis, and any other soft tissue out of the line of sight to expose the glottic opening
What is the curved laryngoscope called?
The Macintosh
What is the straight laryngoscope called?
The Miller.
What is the critical step of direct laryngoscopy?
Locate the epiglottis