Emergency Care 14th Edition Chapter 9

airway

passageway by which air enters and leaves the lungs as well as a mechanical device used to keep the air passageway unobstructed

bronchoconstriction

the contraction of smooth muscle that lines the bronchial passages that results in a decreased internal diameter of the airway and increased resistance to airflow

gag reflex

vomiting or retching that results when something is placed in the back of the pharynx. This is tied to the swallow reflex.

glottic opening

the space between the vocal cords that defines the boundary between the upper and lower airways

head-tilt chin lift maneuver

a means of correcting blockage of the airway by the tongue by tilting the head back and lifting the chin, used when no trauma or injury is suspected

jaw thrust maneuver

a means of correcting blockage of the airway by moving the jaw forward without tilting the head or neck. Used when trauma or injury is suspected to open the airway without causing further injury to the spinal cord in the neck

nasopharyngeal airway

a flexible breathing tube inserted through the patient's nostril into the pharynx to help maintain an open airway

oropharyngeal airway

a curved device inserted through the patient's mouth into the pharynx to help maintain an open airway

patent airway

an airway (passage from nose or mouth to lungs) that is open and clear and will remain open and clear, without interference to the passage of air into and out of the body.

stridor

A high pitched sound generated from partially obstructed air flow in the upper airway.

suctioning

use of a vacuum device to remove blood vomitus, and other secretions or foreign materials from the airway