Airway Management (9)

What is a patent airway?

An airway that is open, clear, and will remain open.

What structure defines the boundary between the upper and lower airways?

The glottic opening (vocal cords).

What are the three regions of the pharynx?

The nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

What leaf-like structure protects the glottic opening by sealing the trachea during swallowing?

The epiglottis.

Which cartilage protects the front of the larynx and forms the Adam's apple?

The thyroid cartilage.

What complete circle of cartilage forms the lower aspect of the larynx?

The cricoid ring.

How many cartilage rings protect the trachea?

Sixteen rings.

What is the branching point where the trachea divides into the mainstem bronchi?

The carina.

Where does gas exchange (diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide) occur?

The alveoli.

How does a child's tongue compare proportionately to an adult's?

It takes up proportionately more space in the mouth.

Why is a child's trachea more easily obstructed by swelling or flexion?

It is narrower, softer, and more flexible.

What anatomical structure actually blocks the airway when an unconscious patient's tongue relaxes?

The epiglottis.

What is the contraction of smooth muscle lining the bronchial passages called?

Bronchoconstriction (or bronchospasm).

What does a high-pitched, whistling sound (stridor) indicate?

Severely restricted air movement in the upper airway.

What does the sudden development of hoarseness or a raspy voice suggest?

Narrowing or swelling around the vocal cords.

What does snoring in an injured or ill patient indicate?

Diminished airway muscle tone and a need for assistance.

What does a gurgling sound during breathing indicate?

Fluid in the airway requiring immediate suctioning.

What is the optimal head position for maintaining a patent airway in a supine patient?

The head-elevated, sniffing position.

How is the sniffing position visually verified?

The patient's ear is level with the suprasternal notch.

Where should padding be placed to achieve the sniffing position in children under four?

Behind the shoulders.

When is the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver used?

When no head, neck, or spinal injury is suspected.

When is the jaw-thrust maneuver used?

When a head, neck, or spinal injury is suspected.

What distinguishes severe choking from nonsevere choking?

Complete airway obstruction with no air movement.

What is the primary treatment for a conscious, severely choking adult?

Abdominal thrusts.

What is the treatment for a conscious, severely choking infant?

Alternating five back slaps and five chest thrusts.

What is the immediate treatment for any choking patient who becomes unconscious?

Begin CPR.

What is the primary contraindication for using an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)?

An intact gag reflex.

How do you measure an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) for proper fit?

From the corner of the mouth to the earlobe.

What is a relative contraindication for a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)?

Suspected basilar skull fracture.

How do you measure a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)?

From the nostril to the earlobe.

When is a supraglottic airway indicated?

When basic airway-management measures have failed.

What vacuum pressure must portable and mounted suction units generate?

At least 300 mmHg when clamped.

What air flow rate must a suction unit provide?

At least 30 liters per minute.

What is another name for a rigid pharyngeal suction tip?

Yankauer (or tonsil-tip) suction.

How do you measure a flexible suction catheter?

From the corner of the mouth to the earlobe.

What is the recommended time limit for a single suctioning attempt?

No longer than 10 seconds.

When should suction be applied during the catheter insertion and removal process?

Only when withdrawing the catheter out of the mouth.

How should dentures normally be managed during airway procedures?

Left in place unless they become loose or endanger the airway.