Airway Management and Respiratory Care Techniques

Airway Management

Ensuring a clear airway for patient ventilation.

Respiration

Process of gas exchange in the body.

Artificial Ventilation

Mechanical assistance for patient breathing.

Minute Ventilation

Volume of air breathed per minute.

Alveolar Ventilation

Air reaching alveoli for gas exchange.

Patent Airway

Open airway allowing unobstructed airflow.

Upper Airway

Includes nose, mouth, pharynx, and larynx.

Lower Airway

Includes trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Trachea

Air passage connecting larynx to bronchi.

Bronchi

Branches from trachea into lungs.

Bronchioles

Smaller branches of bronchi leading to alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs for gas exchange.

Oxygenation

Process of delivering oxygen to tissues.

Pulmonary Ventilation

Movement of air in and out of lungs.

Nasopharynx

Upper part of the pharynx behind the nose.

Oropharynx

Part of pharynx behind the oral cavity.

Laryngopharynx

Lower part of the pharynx leading to esophagus.

Epiglottis

Flap preventing food from entering airway.

Thyroid Cartilage

Forms 'V' shape in larynx structure.

Cricoid Cartilage

First ring of trachea, supports airway.

Glottis

Space between vocal cords in larynx.

Supplemental Oxygen Therapy

Additional oxygen provided to improve saturation.

Pathophysiology of Respiration

Study of respiratory system dysfunctions.

Mediastinum

Space containing heart, vessels, esophagus, trachea, bronchi.

Physiology of Breathing

Collaboration of respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Ventilation

Physical act of air movement in lungs.

Inhalation

Active breathing phase involving muscle contraction.

Diaphragm

Muscle that aids in inhalation by contracting.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles between ribs that assist breathing.

Negative Pressure

Pressure difference allowing air to enter lungs.

Partial Pressure

Gas concentration in air or fluid.

Tidal Volume

Volume of air inhaled or exhaled in one breath.

Dead Space

Air that does not participate in gas exchange.

Exhalation

Passive process of expelling air from lungs.

Hypoxia

Insufficient oxygen supply to body tissues.

Hypoxic Drive

Breathing stimulus based on low oxygen levels.

Internal Respiration

Gas exchange between blood and body cells.

External Respiration

Gas exchange between alveoli and blood.

Chemoreceptors

Sensors monitoring oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH.

Ventilation/Perfusion Ratio

Balance of air and blood flow in lungs.

Severe Hypoxemia

Critical deficiency of oxygen in bloodstream.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Gas Exchange

Transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in lungs.

Intrinsic factors

Factors affecting ventilation from within the body.

Extrinsic factors

External influences impacting pulmonary ventilation.

Infections

Pathogens causing inflammation in respiratory system.

Allergic reactions

Immune response leading to airway constriction.

Unresponsiveness

Loss of consciousness causing airway obstruction.

Trauma

Injury affecting respiratory function or structure.

Atmospheric pressure

Weight of air influencing respiratory mechanics.

Partial pressure of O2

Concentration of oxygen affecting gas exchange.

Pneumonia

Lung infection leading to fluid accumulation.

Pulmonary edema

Fluid buildup in lungs impairing gas exchange.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, airflow limitation.

Emphysema

Destruction of alveoli reducing respiratory surface area.

Circulatory compromise

Reduced blood flow affecting oxygen delivery.

Pneumothorax

Air in pleural space causing lung collapse.

Tension pneumothorax

Pressure buildup in pleural space, life-threatening.

Open pneumothorax

Air enters pleural space through chest wall.

Hemothorax

Blood accumulation in pleural cavity.

Hemopneumothorax

Combination of air and blood in pleural space.

Blood loss

Reduction of blood volume affecting circulation.

Anemia

Low red blood cell count reducing oxygen transport.

Hypovolemic shock

Severe blood loss leading to organ failure.

Vasodilatory shock

Widespread blood vessel dilation reducing blood pressure.

Aerosol-generating procedures

Medical procedures producing airborne particles.

Agonal gasps

Gasping breaths after cardiac arrest.

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Irregular breathing pattern with periods of apnea.

Ataxic respirations

Irregular breathing pattern, often from brain injury.

Kussmaul respirations

Deep, rapid breathing due to metabolic acidosis.

Pulse oximetry

Non-invasive method to measure blood oxygen levels.

End-tidal CO2

Maximal CO2 level at end of exhalation.

Capnometry

Measurement of CO2 concentration in exhaled air.

Capnography

Graphical representation of CO2 levels during respiration.

Head Tilt-Chin Lift Maneuver

Technique to open airway in non-trauma patients.

Jaw-Thrust Maneuver

Airway opening technique for suspected cervical injury.

Cross-Finger Technique

Method to open a closed mouth.

Suctioning Equipment

Essential tools for maintaining airway clearance.

Wide-Bore Tubing

Thick-walled, nonkinking tubing for suctioning.

Pharyngeal Suction Tips

Plastic, rigid tips for effective suctioning.

Nonrigid Catheters

Flexible catheters for delicate suctioning tasks.

Collection Bottle

Nonbreakable, disposable container for suctioned materials.

Suction Pressure

Must exceed 300 mm Hg for effectiveness.

Suction Duration for Adults

Limit to 15 seconds to avoid hypoxia.

Suction Duration for Children

Limit to 10 seconds for safety.

Suction Duration for Infants

Limit to 5 seconds to prevent harm.

Log Rolling Technique

Method to clear mouth using a gloved finger.

Frothy Secretions Protocol

Suction for 15 seconds, then ventilate for 2 minutes.

Oropharyngeal Airways

Prevent tongue obstruction in unresponsive patients.

Indications for Oropharyngeal Airways

Used in unresponsive patients without gag reflex.

Contraindications for Oropharyngeal Airways

Not for conscious patients with intact gag reflex.

Nasopharyngeal Airways

Used in patients with intact gag reflex.

Indications for Nasopharyngeal Airways

For semiconscious patients unable to maintain airway.

Contraindications for Nasopharyngeal Airways

Avoid in severe head injuries with nasal blood.

Recovery Position

Position to maintain airway in unconscious patients.

Supplemental Oxygen

Administer to all hypoxic patients without exception.

Oxygen Cylinder

Contains compressed gas for supplemental oxygen.

Liquid Oxygen

Alternative form of oxygen for medical use.

Pressure Regulator

Device ensuring safe transport of gas cylinders.

Pin-Indexing System

Prevents incorrect gas cylinder connections.