Critical Care Respiratory Flashcards
Inserted into the trachea via the mouth or nose. Tip should rest 2-3 cm (1/2-1 in) above carina
More common. Performed at the bedside
Endotracheal tube
Inserted into the trachea via a stoma in the neck.
Surgical procedure used when an airway is needed long-term
Tracheotomy
Guide wire. Radio-opaque line (seen on X-ray to confirm placement). Depth markings. Cuff (inflate cuff, causes seal in trachea so that when air goes into trachea it does leak (goes to lungs) and keep saliva from going down). Pilot balloon with 1 way valve (squeeze each shift to make sure it is firm). Universal adapter. Adult size is usually 7-9 mm.
Endotracheal tube
Placed with aid of laryngoscope. Preferred (easiest, quickest). Uses a large diameter tube (less airway resistance).
Risks: chipped or lost teeth, tube can be obstructed by biting on it, mouth care is difficult.
Oral ETT
Placed blindly. Used when head or neck manipulation is risky. Contraindicated in severe nasal/midface fracture, basilar skull fracture, postop after cranial surgery, coagulopathies.
Risks: can press on the septum, more likely to kink, increased work of breathing, sinus infection, VAP
Nasal ETT
ETT Intubation procedure
Obtain consent if not emergent. Explain to the pt that they will NOT be able to speak while the ETT is in and their hands may be restrained. Have ambu bag, O2, suction, IV access available. Remove the pt’s dentures. Pre oxygenate with 100% O2 for 3-5 minutes. Give premeds if not comatose or in cardiac arrest (rapid sequence intubation [RSI]- Versed, fentanyl, succinylcholine; may also give atropine). Monitor O2 sats throughout the procedure. Place pt supine with head extended, neck flexed.
For nasal, spray with local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor. Each attempt should be
After ETT intubation
Inflate the cuff and confirm placement with end-tidal CO2 detector (capnography) while manually ventilating. Auscultate for bilateral breath sounds. Observe chest for symmetric movement. Observe for improved SpO2. Connect to ventilator. Secure per policy.
Portable CXR to confirm tube location. Once confirmed, mark the position of the tube at the lip or teeth or nose. Obtain ABGs (baseline)
Maintaining correct tube placement
Confirm exit mark on ETT
Maintaining proper cuff inflation (20-25 mmHg) to ensure not necrosing tissue under the cuff
Measure/record q8 hrs using MOV (minimal occluding volume: when vent pushes air down [tidal volume], put stethoscope on trachea. syringe on balloon, uninflate tiny bit until hear squeek, wait, another TV, push air to hear leak stop) or MLT (minimal leak technique)- do mouth care and suction above cuff first!
Monitor oxygenation and ventilation
ABGs, PaCO2, SpO2, SvO2, end-tidal CO2.
Breath sounds, signs of hypoxemia, chest wall movement
Maintain tube patency
Do NOT routinely suction pts; only suction if there are visible secretions, sudden onset of resp. distress, suspected aspiration, increase in peak airway pressures, adventitious breath sounds, increase in resp. rate or constant cough, decrease in O2 sats.
Closed and open-suction techniques
Adequately hydrate pt (dehydration=thick mucus)
Provide supplemental humidification
NO NS into the ETT!
Provide oral care and maintain skin integrity
Moisten lips, tongue, gums with swabs q2-4 hrs
Reposition/retape the ETT q24 hrs
Perform oral care using a soft toothbrush atlas 2x/day
Suction oral cavity/pharynx frequently
Change all oral suction equipment and tubing q24 hrs
Rinse oral suction equipment with sterile NS after each use
Foster comfort and communication
Often need sedation and analgesia.
Can’t talk
Cx of intubation: Unplanned extubation
Can be catastrophic.
S/S: pt speaking, low-pressure alarm, decreased or absent breath sounds, resp. distress, gastric distention
Stay with pt, call for help, maintain the airway and support ventilation
Cx of intubation: aspiration
ETT keeps the epiglottis open. Suction the pt’s mouth frequently and ensure proper cuff inflation, prevent vomiting (often have an NGT), keep HOB up 30-45 degrees if pt has enteral feedings.