Chapter 8-How to do awake tracheal intubations (oral & nasal)

Flashcards that cover key vocabulary and concepts related to awake tracheal intubations.

Awake intubation

An intubation technique facilitated by upper airway anesthesia applied topically or with nerve blocks, often with light sedation.

Rapid-sequence intubation (RSI)

A method of intubation that involves the use of sedative and paralytic drugs in quick succession.

Topical airway anesthesia

An application of local anesthetics to relieve discomfort during intubation.

Difficult airway algorithm

A guideline used to assess the likelihood and clinical impact of encountering difficulty during intubation.

Patient cooperation

The degree to which a patient can assist during an awake intubation process.

Deep sedation

A state characterized by a loss of consciousness that may impair the airway reflexes.

Light sedation

A mild state of sedation allowing the patient to maintain protective airway reflexes.

Laryngoscopy

An examination of the larynx using a laryngoscope, often required for intubation.

Nerve blocks

An anesthetic technique involving the injection of local anesthetic near a nerve to block sensation.

Topical anesthetic options

Local anesthetics can be applied in ointment, jelly, nebulized, or atomized forms.

Precision laryngoscopy

A technique where the laryngoscope is carefully guided into the mouth to avoid sensitive mucosa.

Spontaneous breathing

The continued natural breathing of a patient without mechanical assistance.

Patent airway

An unobstructed airway that allows normal airflow.

Airway protection

The ability of a patient to prevent aspiration and maintain a safe airway.

Hemodynamic instability

A condition where a patient's blood pressure is difficult to stabilize.

Sedative agents

Medications used to induce sedation, often for intubation procedures.

TOPICAL AIRWAY ANESTHESIA

The application of anesthetic agents to the airway to facilitate intubation without full sedation.

Gag response

A reflex response elicited when sensitive areas of the throat are stimulated.

Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve

Carries sensation from the epiglottis and above the vocal cords.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve

Nerve that supplies sensation below the vocal cords.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, often used in the context of reducing nasal mucosa swelling.

Vasoconstrictor

A substance that causes narrowing of blood vessels, improving airway access.

Nebulization

The process of creating a fine mist of medication for inhalation.

Atomizing device

A tool used to deliver medication in aerosol form through a fine spray.

Patient preparation

The process of educating and reassuring the patient prior to intubation.

Anxiolytic doses

Light doses of medication intended to relieve anxiety.

Endotracheal tube (ETT)

A tube placed into the trachea to maintain open airways during ventilation.

Breath sounds

Sounds made by airflow through the lungs, used to confirm tube placement.

Hypercarbia

An elevated level of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, often related to respiratory failure.

Blind nasotracheal intubation (BNTI)

A technique to intubate through the nose without direct visualization of the larynx.

Midface fracture

A fracture that may contraindicate certain intubation techniques due to risk of complications.

Breath sounds monitoring

Listening for respiratory sounds to ensure proper placement of an intubation tube.

Complications of BNTI

Potential issues such as epistaxis and bacteremia that can arise during the procedure.

C-spine precautions

Measures taken during intubation to avoid movement of the cervical spine.

Sedation pearls

Guidelines for administering sedatives effectively.

Risks of deep sedation

The potential complications such as airway loss, vomiting, or respiratory depression.

Transcricothyroid membrane injection

Injecting local anesthetic into the throat area to numb sensations during intubation.

Obstructing airway pathology

An anatomical condition that creates a blockage in the airway.

Airway instrumentation

The process of using tools to manage or secure a patient’s airway.

Post-intubation verification

Procedures used to confirm the correct placement of an endotracheal tube.

Patent airway requirements

Parameters that allow for the maintenance of an open airway during various procedures.

Patient demographics

Characteristics of patients that affect the approach to anesthesia and intubation.

Laryngeal reflexes

Protective reflexes that prevent foreign bodies from entering the airway.

Monitoring vital signs

Continuous review of a patient's blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels during procedures.

Intubation technique

The specific method and skill involved in placing a tube in a patient's trachea.

Awake procedural sedation

A form of sedation that maintains some level of consciousness during medical procedures.

Emergency medications

Drugs that may be used in emergency situations for rapid response.

Patient assessment

The evaluation of a patient's condition to determine the best course of action for intubation.