Chapter 44 Respiratory Support And Therapies Flashcards
Artificial airways
Keep the airway patent ( open and unblocked )
They are needed:
When disease, injury, secretions, or aspiration obstructs the airway
For mechanical ventilation
By some persons who are semi-conscious or unconscious
When the person is recovering from anesthesia
Intubation
Means inserting an artificial airway
These airways are common:
Oropharyngeal airway
Inserted through the mouth and into the pharynx
Endotracheal (ET)
Inserted through the mouth or nose and into the trachea
( a cuff inflated to keep the airway in place )
Tracheostomy tube
Inserted through a surgically created opening into the trachea
( cuff tubes are common )
Care measures
Vital signs and pulse oximetry are measured often
Observe for hypoxia and other signs/symptoms
If an airway comes out or is dislodged, tell the nurse at once
Frequent oral hygiene is needed
Comfort and reassure the person
Follow the care plan for communication methods
Always keep the call light within reach
Tracheostomy
Is a surgically created opening into the trachea
A tracheostomy tubes are temporary or permanent
Tracheostomy tube has three parts
1- the obturator is used to guide the insertion for the outer cannula (tube)
2- the inner cannula is inserted and locked in place
3- the outer cannula is not removed
The tube must NOT come out
Secretions
Can collect in the airway]\
Suction
Is the process of withdrawing or sucking up fluid
The routes are used to suction the airway
Oropharyngeal
The mouth and pharynx are suctioned
Nasopharyngeal
The nose and pharynx are suctioned
Lower airway
The suction catheter is passed through an ET or tracheostomy tube
Mechanical ventilation
Is using a machine to move air into and out of the lungs
An ET or tracheostomy tube is needed for mechanical ventilation
Alarms sound when something is wrong
One alarms means the person is disconnected from the ventilator
When alarms sounds, first check to see if the person’s tube is attached to the ventilator
If not, attach it to the ventilator
Then tell the nurse at once about the alarm
DO NOT rest alarms
Chest tubes
Air, blood, or fluid can collect in the pleural space ( sac or cavity ) when the chest is entered because of injury or surgery
Pneumothorax
Is air in the pleural space
hemothorax
Is blood in the pleural space
Pleural effusion
Is the escape and collection of fluid in the pleural space
Pressure occurs when air, blood, or fluid collects in the pleural space
-the pressure collapses the lungs
-air cannot reach affected alveoli
-O2 and CO2 are not exchanged
Respiratory distress and hypoxia result
Pressure on the heart affects the ability to pump blood
Chest tubes are attached to a drainage system
This system must be airtight
Water-seal must be airtight
