Respiratory

Question 1

Oropharyngeal Airway
Indication:
Selection:

Answer 1

Oral Airway (Oropharyngeal Airway - OPA):
Indication: Use in unconscious patients who are at risk of airway obstruction due to the tongue falling back.
Selection: Choose an airway that fits the distance from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw.

Question 2

Indications for Suctioning:

Answer 2

Audible Secretions: Gurgling, rattling, or coughing sounds may indicate accumulated secretions.

Visible Secretions: Secretions seen in the mouth, nose, or coming from the tracheostomy/ETT.

Respiratory Distress: Increased respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, or drop in oxygen saturation.

Changes in Ventilator Parameters: In mechanically ventilated patients, increased peak inspiratory pressures or decreased tidal volumes.

Question 3

Before Suctioning:

Answer 3

Pre-Oxygenation: Administer 100% oxygen using a non-rebreather mask or bag-valve-mask (BVM) for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute to increase the patient’s oxygen reserves.

Question 4

During Suctioning:

Answer 4

Minimize Suction Time: Each suctioning attempt should be limited to 10-15 seconds to avoid hypoxia.

Intermittent Suctioning: Apply suction intermittently while withdrawing the catheter, not during insertion

Question 5

After Suctioning:

Answer 5

Re-Oxygenate: Immediately provide supplemental oxygen post-suctioning to restore normal oxygen levels.
Reassess: Check the patient’s oxygen saturation and overall respiratory status to ensure effective oxygenation and ventilation.

Question 6

Cuff Inflation -Purpose

Answer 6

Seals the airway: Prevents air from escaping around the tube.
Protects the airway: Reduces the risk of aspiration of secretions or gastric contents into the lungs.

cuff should be 20-25 cm H20