Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured: Airway Management

These flashcards summarize the key concepts related to airway management in emergency care and transportation as covered in the mentioned chapter.

What is the primary component of caring for patients regarding their ability to breathe?

Ensuring that patients can breathe adequately.

Why is it crucial for patients to breathe adequately?

Disrupted breathing compromises oxygen delivery to tissues and cells.

What does the respiratory system consist of?

All structures that make up the airway and help us breathe or ventilate.

What are the two divisions of the airway?

Upper airway and lower airway.

What is the primary function of the upper airway?

To warm, filter, and humidify air as it enters the body.

What is the pharynx?

A muscular tube extending from the nose and mouth to the esophagus and trachea.

What structures compose the upper airway?

Nose, mouth, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

What is the function of the nasopharynx?

Filters dust and small particles and warms and humidifies air entering the body.

What is the epiglottis?

A structure that is superior to the larynx and prevents food from entering the airway.

What structure marks the end of the upper airway?

The larynx.

How is the trachea described?

A conduit for air entry into the lungs that divides at the carina into the right and left bronchi.

What are bronchi supported by?

Cartilage.

What is the function of bronchi?

To distribute oxygen to the lungs.

What is tidal volume?

The volume of air moved into or out of the lungs in a single breath.

What is dead space in breathing terms?

The portion of air that does not reach the alveoli.

What is the physiological role of the diaphragm in inhalation?

The diaphragm contracts to create negative pressure in the thorax, allowing air to enter.

What factors contribute to the regulation of ventilation?

Receptors and feedback loops based on blood pH changes.

What is the role of oxygenation in respiration?

Loading oxygen molecules onto hemoglobin in the bloodstream.

What does internal respiration refer to?

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the systemic circulatory system and cells.

What is external respiration?

The process of bringing fresh air into the respiratory system and exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveoli and blood.

What is the significance of the ventilation/perfusion ratio?

Air and blood flow must be directed to the same place at the same time for gas exchange to occur.

What can cause severe hypoxemia?

Failure to match ventilation and perfusion.

What is a common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient?

The tongue.

What should be done immediately if a patient has a severe airway obstruction?

Provide treatment to prevent unconsciousness and death.

What is the first step in managing an unconscious patient with an airway obstruction?

Perform a head tilt–chin lift maneuver.

What does the jaw-thrust maneuver aim to do?

Open the airway without moving the cervical spine.

What is the most common type of airway obstruction?

Tongue obstruction.

What is the purpose of suctioning during airway management?

To clear the airway for proper ventilation.

What should suctioning equipment include?

Wide-bore, thick-walled tubing and a nonbreakable collection bottle.

When should you not suction a patient's mouth longer than specified times based on their age?

To prevent hypoxia.

What is the indication for an oropharyngeal airway?

Used for unresponsive patients without a gag reflex.

What is the contraindication for using an oropharyngeal airway?

Conscious patients or any patient with an intact gag reflex.

What should you do if a patient with an intact gag reflex requires airway adjuncts?

Use a nasopharyngeal airway instead.

What is an important consideration for patients with a tracheostomy?

Ventilation should occur through the tracheostomy tube.

What is the supplemental oxygen delivery method for a patient in respiratory distress?

Provide oxygen continuously to hypoxic patients.

How many liters per minute does a nasal cannula typically deliver?

1–6 liters per minute.

What are potential hazards of supplemental oxygen?

Combustion and oxygen toxicity.

What is the primary observation to assess adequate breathing?

Adequate chest rise.

What should the CPR provider do when noticing signs of poor ventilation?

Reassess and adjust ventilation techniques as necessary.

What does CPAP do for patients in respiratory distress?

Provides noninvasive ventilatory support.

What condition contraindicates the use of CPAP?

Respiratory arrest or inability to speak.

What is the universal sign of choking?

A person grasping their throat.

What immediate action should be taken for a patient who becomes unresponsive while obstructed?

Begin CPR with chest compressions.

What should be done for facial bleeding affecting the airway?

Control bleeding with direct pressure and suction as needed.

What is the purpose of the B.E. MAGIC mnemonic in airway management?

To remember steps for advanced airway management.

How should mouth-to-mask ventilation be performed?

Use a barrier device for safety.