EMER 112 Respiratory Care Flashcards
Proper ventilation is necessary because
provide adequate oxygen to the blood stream and to remove carbon dioxide increasing the amount of available oxygen ensures that even a patient who is not moving adequate volumes of gas (hypoventilation) can still maintain adequate oxygen saturation
negative pressure vacuum effect
the expansion of the chest and downward movement of the diaphragm create negative pressure in the thorax areas pull through the mouth and the nose and is sucked into the trachea
negative pressure vacuum effect occurs because
the thorax is essentially an airtight box with a flexible diaphragm at the bottom and an open tube at the top which air is sucked into and fills the increasing space inside the thorax
sucking chest wound
holes in the thorax provides a place for air to be sucked in
When multiple ribs are broken in more than one place
causing a flail chest free-floating sections of the thorax get pulled in when you breathe limiting the amount of air that can be sucked into the trachea
Retraction
or in drawing of the intercostals in ribs when airflow is restricted by disease processes exhibited by infants and small children
what happens When you ventilate someone with positive pressure
air is forced into the upper airway and flows into both the trachea and esophagus unless steps are taken to help direct it into the trachea
Exhalation is normally a what kind of process
Exhalation is normally a passive process
exhalation is no longer passive process when
When a patient has trouble exhaling they may need to use a domino muscles to push air out when this occurs exhalation is no longer passive process and indicates obstructive disease
Difficulty in inhalation may indicate
upper airway obstruction
Four parts of the brain responsible for
the smooth rhythmic respirations one area helps control rate, another depth, another inspiratory pause, another rhythmicity Most of these respiratory centres are in and around the brain stem
Apneustic breathing
results from damage to the apneustic center in the brain which regulates inspiratory pause A patient exhibiting apneustic respirations will have a short, brisk inhalation with a long pause before exhalation which is indicative of severe pressure within the cranium or direct trauma to the brain
Biot respirations
are seen when the center that controls breathing rhythm is damaged Grossly irregular sometimes with lengthy apneic periods
Cheyne stroke respirations
are a high brain function Deep sleepers and intoxicated peoplewill exhibit this type of respiratory pattern The depth of breathing gradually increases then decreases followed by an apneic period Exaggerated Cheyne stroke respirations may be seen in patients who have a severe brain injury the apneic period may last 30 to 60 secs
Hering-breuer reflex
limits inspiration and may cause coughing if you take too deep a breath
Agonal respirations
irregular gasps that are a few and far between usually represent strain or logical impulses in the dying patient it’s not unusual for patients who are pulseless to have an occasional agonal gasp
Ataxic respirations
completely irregular respirations that indicates severe brain injury or brainstem herniation
Bradypnea
unusually slow respirations
Central neurogenic hyperventilation
rapid and deep respirations caused by increased intercranial pressure or direct Brain Injury drives CO2 levels down and pH levels up resulting in respiratory alkalosis
Hypernea
unusually deep breathing seen in various neurological or chemical disorders certain drugs may stimulate this type of breathing in patients who have overdosed it does not reflect respiratory rate only respiratory depth
Hypopnea
unusually shallow respirations
Kussmaul respirations
the same pattern as central neurogenic hyperventilation but caused by the body’s response to metabolic acidosis the body is trying to rid itself of blood at the tone via the lungs these are seen in patients who have diabetic keto acidosis and are accompanied by a fruity breath odour the mouth and lips are usually cracked and dry
Respiration
is the process by which oxygen is taken into the body distributed to the cells and used by the cells to make energy it takes place in each cell The primary by product of this process is carbon dioxide the respiratory system is involved in the delivery of the oxygen to the blood stream and the removal of waste carbon dioxide from the body
When the lungs are not working adequately carbon dioxide is not efficiently disposed of and accumulates in the blood
this combines with water to form bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions also known as acid resulting in acidosis
Hyperventilation
the person breathe faster or deeper than normal and blows off more carbon dioxide than usual resulting in alkalosis
Anxiety
can be an early sign of hypoxia while confusion, lethargy and coma or typically later signs
Dizziness and tingling extremities
could signify hyperventilation
Injury high in the spinal cord
may paralyze the intercostal muscles and even the diaphragm resulting in the inability of respiratory muscles to function normally in response to the respiratory drive
Bodies immediate response to hypoxaemia
is to increase the heart rate to deliver a higher volume of blood to tissues to compensate for lower blood oxygen levels
Severe hypoxia often causes
bradycardia
Orthopnea
shortness of breath
Renal status
Fluid balance, acid base balance and blood pressure are controlled by the kidneys Each of these factors also affects of pulmonary mechanics and hence the delivery of oxygen to tissues patients with severe renal disease often present with a respiratory signs and symptoms so you should always note signs of severe renal disease when evaluating the condition of the patient
The classic presentation of a patient with emphysema
(pink puffer) includes a barrel chest, muscle wasting and pursed lip breathing search patients are often tachypneic and do not typically present with profound hypoxia and cyanosis
Patients who have chronic bronchitis tend to be
more stationary and may be obese these patients are often encountered in a chair or recliner they may be surrounded by cups full of mucus, inhalers, several medication’s
A spontaneous pneumothorax tends to occur in
tall, thin young adults and women who smoke and take birth control pills or predisposed to pulmonary embolus
Tripod position
involves leaning forward and rotating the scapula outward by placing the arms on a table or by placing the hands on my knees the stabilizes the shoulder girdle improves efficiency of accessory breathing muscles and decreases the total with a breathing
Purposeful hyperextension
occurs when a patient maximize airflow through the upper airway
Head tilt chin lift or sniffing position
This position may indicate upper airway swelling but is also commonly seen in patients who are trying to maximize airflow maintaining this position uses a valuable energy
head bobbing
A patient who is severely ill with respiratory disease begins to feel fatigue here she may hold her head up in the sniffing position during inhalation letting it fall during exhalation this head bobbing is very ominous sign signalling potential eminent decompensation
Chest wall retractions
these are most common in infants and small children with a rigid structure of the thorax is still flexible on an elation the child may pull the sternum and ribs into the chest causing a visible deformity with each breath
Soft tissue retractions
in most patients the bones are rigid and do not move but the soft tissue is pulled in around the bones
Tracheal tugging
the thyroid cartilage is pulled upward and the area just above the sternal notch is sucked in word with inhalation
Pyridoxal respiratory movement
the epigastrium is pulled in with inhalation while the abdomen pushes out creating a seesaw appearance as the two move in opposing directions
Pulses paradoxus
profound intrathoracic pressure changes caused the peripheral pulses to weaken on inspiration these pulses are easier to palpate during exhalation
Minute volume
respiratory rate X tidal volume
decline in PAO2
hypoxaemia will manifest initially as restlessness, confusion and in worst case scenario is a combative behaviour
increase in PaCO2
usually has sedative effects making the patient sleepy
Healthy adults have a haemoglobin level of
120 to 140 g/L
healthy persons will begin to exhibit the blue discolouration of cyanosis one about
50 g/L is desaturated meaning their oxygen saturation would be roughly 65%
Chocolate brown skin:
high levels of methemoglobin derive from nitrates in some toxic exposures may turn the mucous membranes brown This transformation is typically more evident in the patient’s venous blood then in the skin and mucous membranes
Hepatojugular reflux
occurs when mild pressure in the patient’s liver causes the jugular vein’s to engorge further this is a specific sign of right heart failure When a patient is in respiratory distress and they’re sitting up in a semi Fowler 45° position it is easy to check for hepatojugular reflux
Tracheal deviation is a classic sign of
tension pneumothorax
Tracheal breath sounds
are not commonly auscultated but know how harsh and tubular they sound
bronchial breath sounds
are also quite loud but no the exhalation predominates
peripheral bronchialvascular sounds
are softer and have equal inspiratory and expiratory sides
Sound moves better through
fluid than air
The breath sounds of a patient who has one sided pathological condition will sound
louder over the side with abnormality then they will over the healthy side
Managing patients with dyspnea
Supportive prehospital care, ensure airy adequacy, administer high concentration supplemental oxygen therapy and provide monitoring and transport for patients Treatment of bronchoconstriction with bronchodilators
Rehydration
is supplemental therapy for patients with respiratory problems who are dehydrated Always assess breath sounds before an after giving a fluid bolus to make certain you do not have volume overload
circulation potential common signs of anaphylaxis
Tachycardia, hypertension and shock
IV access anaphylaxis
IV access is important because the anaphylactic patient will need fluid replacement anaphylaxis causes leakage of fluid into tissues necessitating administration of large amounts of IV fluid
Puritis
itching
what does epinephrine do for anaphylaxis
vasoconstriction, improvement of cardiac contractility, bronchodilation and suspension of the release of histamine
If the patient is on a beta blocker and needs epilepsy
they may not be a good response Epnephrine so give glucagon
Tracheobronchial suctioning
Involves passing a suction catheter into the tracheal tube to remove pulmonary secretionsMonitor patient’s cardiac rhythm and oxygen saturation during the procedure
what can Tracheobronchial suctioning cause
cause cardiac dysrhythmias
Follow these steps for performing tracheobronchial suctioning as an in-line suction device:
Use routine precautions and wear PPE Check prepare and assemble your equipment Connect section to the in-line suction catheter Pre-oxygenate the patient Gently advance the in-line suction catheter down the tracheal tube until resistance is felt Action in a rotating motion while withdrawing the catheter into the side arm of the in-line device. Monitor patient’s cardiac rhythm and oxygen saturation during the procedure Resume ventilation and oxygenation
Causes of airway obstructions
the tongue laryngeal edema, laryngeal spasm, trauma and aspiration
Laryngeal spasm
Results in spasmodic closure of the vocal cords completely including the airway it is often caused by trauma during aggressive intubation relieved by positive pressure ventilation using a bag mask
Laryngeal edema
causes the glottic opening to become extremely narrow or totally close conditions that commonly causes problems include laryngeal trauma, epiglottis, anaphylaxis or inhalation injury relieved by positive pressure ventilation using a bag mask
Laryngeal injury
Airway patency depends on good muscle tone to keep the trachea open Fracture of the larynx increases airway resistance by decreasing airway size secondary to decreased muscle tone, laryngeal oedema and Ventilatory effort
Emergency medical care for foreign body airway obstruction
Manage any unresponsive person as if he or she has a compromised airway open and maintain the airway with appropriate manual maneuver assessed for breathing and provide artificial ventilation if necessary If after opening the airway you are unable to ventilate the patient will you feel resistance when ventilating re-open the airway and attempt to ventilate the patient
lung compliance
is the ability of the alveoli to expand when air is drawn into the lungs either during negative pressure ventilation or positive pressure ventilation poor lung compliance is characterized by increased resistance during ventilation attempts
If the response of patient with a severe airy obstruction becomes unresponsive
carefully position him or her supine on the ground and begin chest compressions perform 30 chest compressions and then open the airway and look in the mouth attempt to remove foreign body if you can see it
Surgical and nonsurgical cricothyrotomy
Two methods of securing a patient’s airway can be used when conventional techniques and methods fail the open surgical cric and Translaryngeal catheter ventilation nonsurgical or needle cric
Open cricothyrotomy
Involves opening the cricothyroid membrane with a scalpel and inserting a tracheal tube directly into the subglottic area of the trachea The open cric involves incising the patients skin and cricthyroid membrane and inserting a tracheal tube
Indications of open cric
Indicated only when you were unable to secure a patient’s airway with a more conventional mean and are unable to oxygenated ventilate the patient it is the last resort indications that may preclude conventional airway management include severe foreign body upper airway obstruction that cannot be extracted and direct laryngoscopy airway, obstruction from swelling, facial trauma and the ability to open the patient’s mouth
contraindications of open cric
the ability to secure a patent airway by less invasive means or lack of familiarity training to perform a cric Other contraindications include in ability to identify the correct anatomical landmarks, crushing injury to the larynx and trachea transection, you’re lying anatomical abnormalities and age younger than eight years
Advantages and disadvantages
Can be performed quickly and is easier than a tracheostomy Be performed without manipulating the cervical spine disdvantages include difficulty in performing the procedure and children and patients with short muscular or fat necks more difficult to perform than a needle cricothyrotomy
open cric complications
Bleeding is usually the result of inadvertent laceration of the external jugular vein After the incision has been made gently insert the tube will minimize the risk of perforating the esophagus or damaging the laryngeal nerves In too long results and hypoxia Expect to miss placement when subcutaneous emphysema is encountered after performing a cric
Subcutaneous emphysema
occurs when air infiltrates the subcutaneous layers of the skin and is characterized by crackling sensation when palpated
Technique for performing open cricothyrotomy
Identify the cricothyroid membrane by palpating the V notch of the thyroid cartilage which feels like a high sharp bump Stabilize the larynx between your thumb and middle finger while you palpate with your index finger slide your index finger down into the depression between the thyroid and cricoid cartilage While stabilizing the larynx with one hand make a 1 to 2 cm vertical incision over the cricothyroid membrane in bariatric patients the vertical incision may need to be longer and deeper Puncture the cricothyroid membrane and make a horizontal incision approximately 1 cm in each direction from the midline insert the scalpel handle into the opening and rotate Insert a tube into the trachea Manually stabilize the trachea tube with your thumb and index finger carefully remove the stylet and inflate the distal cuff Attach the bag mask device in ventilate Confirm correct to placement by attaching ET CO2
Needle Cricothyrotomy
Also uses the cricothyroid membrane as an entry pointed to the airway A 14 to 16 gauge over the needle IV catheter is inserted through the cricothyroid membrane and into the trachea Oxygen is achieved by attaching a high-pressure jet ventilator to help with the catheter Translaryngeal catheter ventilation is commonly used as a temporary measure to oxygenate a patient until more definitive airway can be obtained
needle cric indications
inability to ventilate the patient by less invasive techniques only when you were unable to secure a patent airway with more conventional means complete foreign body airway obstruction that cannot be extracted with forceps and direct laryngoscopy, airway obstruction from swelling, massive facial trauma, inability to open the patient’s mouth uncontrolled oropharyngeal bleeding
needle cric contraindications
in patients who have severe airway obstruction above the site of catheter insertion Only oxygenate the patient do not adequately ventilated as a result patients PaCO2 and ET CO2 levels will rise quickly
what does The high pressure ventilator used with needle cricothyrotomy do
increases intrathoracic pressure possibly resulting in barotrauma and risk for pneumothorax
Barotrauma
can be caused by over inflation of the lungs with the jet ventilator so care must be taken to open the release valve only until the patient’s chest adequately rises
Advantages of neeedle cric
Faster and easier to perform and is associated with lower risk of causing damage to adjacent structures Allows for subsequent intubation attempts because they use a small bore catheter allowing a tracheal tube to easily pass beside it
Disadvantages of needle cric
include using a small bore tube to ventilate the patient does not provide protection from aspiration as a tracheal tube would Requires specialized high-pressure jet ventilator to deliver adequate tidal volume
Complications of needle cric
improper catheter placement can result in severe bleeding secondary to damage of adjacent structures Excessive air leakage around the insertion site can cause subcutaneous emphysema especially if the patient has undetected laryngeal trauma
ventilating a patient with a jet ventilator
Extreme care must be exercise when ventilating a patient with a jet ventilator the release valve should be open just long enough for the adequate chest rise took her over inflation of the lungs can result in barotrauma which carries the risk of pneumothorax conversely opening the release valve for two short period of time can cause hypoventilation resulting in adequate oxygenation and ventilation
Technique for performing needle cricothyrotomy
Draw up approximately 3 mL of sterile water or saline into a 10 mL syringe and attach to the IV catheter Place the patient had in a neutral position and locate the cricothyroid membrane While you are stabilizing the patience lyrics carefully insert the needle into the midline of the membrane at a 45° angle toward the feet you should feel a pop After the pop is felt insert approximately 1 cm further and then aspirate the syringe if the catheter has been correctly place you should be able to easily aspirate air and see bubbling in the syringe if blood is aspirated you should reevaluate Attach one end of the oxygen tubing to the catheter in another end to the jet ventilator begin ventilation and observed adequate chest rise Auscultation of breath and epigastric sounds will confirm correct placement Secure the catheter by placing a folded gods pad under the catheter and taping it in place continue ventilation and reassess
Advanced Airway Management 2 reasons
Not a substitute for basic techniques and maneuvers 1. Failure to maintain a patent airway 2. Failure to adequately oxygenate and ventilate
MOANS
M mask seal: problems getting a good seal with the mask O obese: obese people are difficult to bag mask ventilate because of their increased body weight A aged- older people tend to be difficult to bag mask ventilate due to loss of connective tissue and bony structure on their face N no teeth: forming a good seal with the mask is difficult in edentulous patients S stiff lungs: patients underlying lung disease require higher pressures to ventilate and this may be difficult to do with bag mask ventilation
LEMON
L look: look externally for obvious anatomic deformities E Evaluate the 3-3-2 rule: the width from the front of the chin to the hyoid bone should be at least three fingerbreaths wide, the width of the patients mouth opening should be at least three fingerbreadths wide, and the distance from the mandible to the thyroid bones should be at least two fingerbreaths wide M Mallampati classification: oral access is assessed using the Mallampati classification O obstruction: you can anticipate a difficult intubation if there is obstruction in the airway such as epiglottis, neck injury, tumor N neck mobility: if a patient has limited neck mobility
Cormack- Lehane Classification
Has applicability in an emergent setting because it classifies views obtained by direct laryngoscopy based on the structures seen prior to inbutbation
Tracheal Intubation
passing a tracheal tube through the glottic opening and sealing the tube with a cuff inflated against the tracheal wall
Orotracheal intubation
when the tube is passed into the trachea through the mouth
Nasotracheal intubation
when the tube is passed into the trachea through the nose
indications of tracheal intubation
present or impending respiratory failure, apnea, inability of the patient to protect on airway, control of ventilation
contraindications for tracheal intubation
none in emergency situations however with inexperienced personnel other advanced airways may be easier
advantages/ disadvantages of tracheal intubation
advantages: provides a secure airway, protects against aspiration, provides an alternate route to IV/IO for certain medications disadvantages: special equipment required; physiological functions of the upper airway bypassed
complications of tracheal intubation
bleeding, hypoxia, laryngeal swelling, laryngospasm, vocal cord damage, mucosal necrosis, barotrauma, dental injury, inadvertent tube displacement
The basic structure of tracheal tube
includes the proximal end, the tube, the cuff and pilot balloon and distal tipSizes range from 5 to 9 mm
Murphy eye
the opening of the bevelled tip on the distal end of the tube to facilitate insertion It enables ventilation to occur even if the tip becomes included by blood, mucus, or tracheal wall
A tube that is too small for a patient will lead toa tube that is too large can
A tube that is too small for a patient will lead to an increase resistance to airflow and difficulty in ventilating a tube that is too large can be difficult to insert it may cause trauma
tracheal tube sizes
An adult woman will require a 7-8 mm tube while an adult man will require a 7.5 to 8.5 mm tube
good approximation of the diameter of the glottic opening
The internal diameter of the nostrils
Straight miller blade
Design so that the tip will extend beneath the epiglottis and lift it up particularly useful in infants
Curved macintosh blade
less likely to be levelled against the teeth by an inexperienced paramedic and is usually preferred by beginners the blade follows the outline of the pharynx the tip of the curved blade is placed in the valley Kula rather than beneath the epiglottis It directly lifts the epiglottis to expose the vocal cords
Blade sizes
range from 0 to 4 size 012 are appropriate for infants and children three and four are adult sizes
Stylet
a semi rigid wire that is inserted in the tracheal tube to mound and maintain the shape of the tube enables you to guide the tip of the tube over the arts annoyed cartilage even if you can’t see the entire glottic opening It should be lubricated and the end should be formed like a hockey stick curve
Magill forceps 2 uses
first they are used to remove area obstructions under direct visualization second they are used to guide the tip of the tracheal tube through the glottic opening
Orotracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy
Involves inserting a tracheal tube through the mouth and into the trachea while visualizing the glottic opening with the laryngoscope
Orotracheal intubation indications
airway control needed as a result of coma, respiratory arrest/cardiac arrest, then territory support, absence of gag reflex, Trumatic brain injury, unresponsiveness or impending airway compromise
Orotracheal intubation contraindications
an intact egg reflects, in ability to open the patient’s mouth because of trauma, dislocation of the jar, inability to see the glottic opening, copious secretions or vomitus blood
Orotracheal intubation advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: Direct visualization of anatomy into placement, ideal method for confirming placement, may be performed in breathing or apnoeic patients Disadvantages: require special equipment
Orotracheal intubation Complications
dental trauma, laryngeal trauma, misplacement
Preoxygenation
Adequate preoxygenation with a bag mask device and 100% oxygen is critical step prior to intubating a patient Deoxygenate and apnoeic or hyper ventilating patient for 2 to 3 minutes monitor the SPO2 and she was closest 100% During the intubation attempt deliver high flow oxygen via nasal canula
Positioning the patient
The airway has three axis is the mouth, the pharynx, and the larynx which must all be aligned to visualize the airway This is most effectively achieved by placing the patient in the sniffing position
A bundle of care:
includes preoxygenation, passive high flow oxygen, the sniffling position and head elevation along with delayed sequence intubation agent
Laryngoscope blade insertion
Hold the laryngoscope cope with your left hand as far down the handles possible if the patient’s mouth is not open use the scissor technique or the tongue jaw lift maneuver insert the blade into the right side of the patient’s mouth and then sweep the tongue gently to the left side while moving the blade into the midline —This is a critical step because if you simply insert the blade in the midline the tongue will hang over both sides and all you’ll see is tongue Placed the little finger of your left hand under the patient’s chin to help lift the jaw and prevent levering against the patient’s teeth Slowly advance the blade while sweeping the tongue to the left exert gentle traction at a 45° angle to the floor as you lift the patient straw continue advancing until the epiglottis comes interview
Visualization of the glottic opening
After you identify the epiglottis placed the tip of the curved blade in the valecullar space which is above the epiglottis or the straight blade directly under the epiglottis and lift until you see the glottic opening You should see the vocal cords in the arytenoid cartilage
Bimanual laryngoscopy
if you’re having difficulty seeing the glottic opening take your right hand and manipulate the larynx directly observing after abuse optimize an assistant to maintain the optimum laryngeal position as you insert the tracheal tube
BURP maneuver
during external laryngeal manipulation the intubator plies backward upward rightward pressure to the lower 1/3 of the thyroid cartilage
Bougie
emi flexible device approximately 1 cm in diameter and 60 cm long it is rigid enough that it could be easily directed to the glottic opening but flexible enough that it does not cause damage to the trachea walls It is inserted through the glottic opening under direct laryngoscopy Enables you to feel the ridges of the trachea wall and becomes a guide for the tracheal tube by simply sliding the tracheal tube over it pass the cords and into the proper position
Tracheal tube insertion
After you visualize the glottic opening pick up the preselected tracheal tube in your right hand insert the tube from the right corner the patient’s mouth as you see the two passing the vocal cords rotate the tube to the right and direct the tip of the tracheal tube downward into the trachea Advance the tracheal tube until the proximal end of the cuff is 1 to 2 cm possible chords you must see the tip of the two past to the vocal cords if you cannot see the vocal cords do not insert the tube Do not try and pass the tube down the barrel of the laryngeal scope blade
Ventilation laraygnoscopy
After you have seen the cup of the tracheal to pass approximately 1.5 cm beyond the vocal cords gently remove the blade hold the tube securely and remove the stylet from the tube Inflate the distal cuff with 5 to 10 mL of air Play some in-line capnography monitor If the tube is properly position you were here quite epigastrium and equal breath sounds bilaterally however epigastric sounds may be transmitted to lungs in patients with obesity leading you to believe you have inadvertently intubated the esopha
Bilaterally absent breath sounds after tube placement
are gurgling over the epigastrium when auscultating during ventilation indicates that you have intubated the esophagus rather than the trachea you must remove the tube and be prepared to suction
If copious vomitus is being admitted from the tracheal tub
do not remove it instead inflate the distal calf turn the tube sideways to allow the bombers to be admitted and continue ventilation with bag mask device if vomitus is not being emitted from the tube you can remove it and resume bag ventilation
Breath sounds are heard only on the right side of the chest after tube insertion
the tube has likely been advance to far and entered the right mainstem bronchi us
Follow these steps to reposition the tube
Loosen or move the tube securing device Deflate the distal cuff Place your stethoscope over the left side of the chest Well ventilation continue slowly retract the tube while simultaneously listening for breath sounds over the left side of the chest Stop as soon as bilaterally equal breath sounds are heard Note the depth of the tube at the patient’s teeth Reinflate the distal cuff Secure the tube Resume ventilations –Increased resistance during ventilation’s may indicate gastric distention, oesophageal intubation or tension pneumothorax
Nasotracheal intubation
Insertion of a tube into the trachea through the nose Blind nasotracheal intubation is an excellent technique for establishing control over the airway and situation where does either difficult or hazardous to perform laryngoscopy
Nasotracheal intubation indications
indicated for patients who are breathing spontaneously but require definitive airway management to prevent further deterioration Responsive patients or patients with an altered mental status and with an intact gag reflects who are in respiratory failure secondary to condition such as COPD asthma or pulmonary oedema
Contraindicated Nasotracheal intubation
apnoea patients because they should receive oral tracheal intubation Contraindicated in patients with head trauma and facial fractures and evidence of cerebral spinal fluid drainage from nose Contraindications include anatomic abnormalities, patients with nasal polyps or patients who frequently use cocaine