Chapter 8 Flashcards
bronchoconstriction
contraction of smooth muscles that lines the bronchial passage that results in a decreased internal diameter of the airway and increased resistance to air flow
Name the main structure in the airway
The mouth, nose, tongue, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypo pharynx, glottis, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.
Explain why care for the airway is a vital part of emergency care
Lack of oxygen will quickly lead to the patients death
Describe the signs of inadequate airway
no air movement, chocking, stridor, snoring, and gurgling
explain how airway adjuncts and suctioning help in airway
moves tongue foward. They create a channel for airway to move within. suctioning removes liquids and loose substance from the airway to prevent them from obstructing air movement and to prevent aspiration.
On arrival at the scene, you find an adult patient with gurgling sounds in the throat and inadequate breathing slowing to almost nothing. how do you proceed to protect the airway?
This patients needs immediate airway intervention including suctioning, positioning, and potentially the insertion of an airway adjunct. Further treatment will include positive pressure ventilation and probably advanced life support assistance.
When evaluating a small child you hear stridor. what does this tell you? What are your immidiate concerns regarding this sound?
Stridor indicates a partially obstructed airway. Your immediate concerns is the threat of the airway occluding completely. Rapid transport is necessary.
When assessing an unconscious patient, you note snoring respirations. Should you be concerned with this and, if so, what steps can you take to correct this?
Snoring indicate turbulent air flow through the airway. In an injured or ill patient, it generally indicates a decreased capability to maintain the airway as consciousness decreases. Corrective actions include positioning the head, opening the airway, and potentially inserting and airway adjunct.
