Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following structures is NOT considered part of the upper airway?
Which of the following structures is NOT considered part of the upper airway?
- Nose
- Larynx
- Trachea (correct)
- Mouth
What is the primary function of the epiglottis?
What is the primary function of the epiglottis?
- To produce vocal sounds
- To facilitate gas exchange
- To prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea (correct)
- To filter air entering the respiratory system
A patient displays a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute, is lethargic, and has shallow chest rise. What does this indicate?
A patient displays a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute, is lethargic, and has shallow chest rise. What does this indicate?
- Inadequate breathing (correct)
- Normal breathing with anxiety
- Hyperventilation
- Adequate breathing
Early signs of hypoxia include:
Early signs of hypoxia include:
When administering oxygen via nasal cannula, what is the appropriate flow rate range?
When administering oxygen via nasal cannula, what is the appropriate flow rate range?
What is the approximate oxygen concentration delivered by a non-rebreather mask when set at the appropriate flow rate?
What is the approximate oxygen concentration delivered by a non-rebreather mask when set at the appropriate flow rate?
In which of the following patients is an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) indicated?
In which of the following patients is an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) indicated?
Why it is important to limit suctioning to 15 seconds in adults?
Why it is important to limit suctioning to 15 seconds in adults?
When should the jaw-thrust maneuver be used to open a patient's airway?
When should the jaw-thrust maneuver be used to open a patient's airway?
What is the correct technique for relieving a foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) in a conscious adult?
What is the correct technique for relieving a foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) in a conscious adult?
If a patient with a foreign body airway obstruction becomes unconscious, what is the next step?
If a patient with a foreign body airway obstruction becomes unconscious, what is the next step?
What does a pulse oximeter reading of 90% indicate?
What does a pulse oximeter reading of 90% indicate?
Which of the following is a basic airway adjunct?
Which of the following is a basic airway adjunct?
What is the optimal head position for opening the airway in a pediatric patient?
What is the optimal head position for opening the airway in a pediatric patient?
When ventilating a pediatric patient with a BVM, why is it important to avoid excessive force?
When ventilating a pediatric patient with a BVM, why is it important to avoid excessive force?
What special consideration should be taken when managing the airway of a patient with facial trauma?
What special consideration should be taken when managing the airway of a patient with facial trauma?
How should you ventilate a patient with a tracheostomy?
How should you ventilate a patient with a tracheostomy?
What is the primary contraindication for using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?
What is the primary contraindication for using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?
Which of the following is a sign of respiratory failure?
Which of the following is a sign of respiratory failure?
What should be included in the documentation of airway management interventions?
What should be included in the documentation of airway management interventions?
Flashcards
Upper airway
Upper airway
Includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, and larynx.
Lower airway
Lower airway
Composed of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.
Epiglottis
Epiglottis
Leaf-shaped structure preventing food/liquid from entering the trachea.
Trachea
Trachea
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Alveoli
Alveoli
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Adequate breathing
Adequate breathing
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Inadequate breathing
Inadequate breathing
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Hypoxia
Hypoxia
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Early signs of hypoxia
Early signs of hypoxia
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Late signs of hypoxia
Late signs of hypoxia
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Nasal Cannula
Nasal Cannula
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Non-rebreather Mask
Non-rebreather Mask
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Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM)
Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM)
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Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)
Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)
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Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)
Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)
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Suctioning
Suctioning
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Head-tilt/Chin-lift
Head-tilt/Chin-lift
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Jaw-thrust Maneuver
Jaw-thrust Maneuver
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Abdominal Thrusts
Abdominal Thrusts
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Pulse Oximetry
Pulse Oximetry
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Study Notes
- The upper airway includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, and larynx.
- The lower airway consists of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.
- The pharynx is divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
- The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped structure that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea.
- The larynx, or voice box, contains the vocal cords.
- The trachea is a cartilaginous tube that extends from the larynx to the bronchi.
- The bronchi branch into smaller bronchioles, which lead to the alveoli.
- Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
- Adequate breathing is characterized by a normal respiratory rate (12-20 breaths per minute for adults), regular rhythm, clear lung sounds, and adequate chest rise.
- Signs of inadequate breathing include abnormal respiratory rate, irregular rhythm, diminished or absent lung sounds, paradoxical chest movement, and altered mental status.
- Hypoxia is a condition in which the body's tissues do not receive enough oxygen.
- Early signs of hypoxia include restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and increased respiratory rate.
- Late signs of hypoxia include cyanosis, altered mental status, and decreased respiratory rate.
- Oxygen administration is indicated for patients with hypoxia, suspected hypoxia, or any condition that may lead to hypoxia.
- Oxygen is a medication and should be administered based on the patient's condition and local protocols.
- Nasal cannula delivers low-flow oxygen (1-6 liters per minute) at concentrations of 24-44%.
- A non-rebreather mask delivers high-flow oxygen (10-15 liters per minute) at concentrations of 80-95%.
- A bag-valve-mask (BVM) is used to deliver positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing adequately.
- The BVM should be used with supplemental oxygen to deliver the highest possible concentration of oxygen.
- An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is used to maintain an open airway in unconscious patients with no gag reflex.
- A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is used to maintain an open airway in patients with an intact gag reflex who are unable to maintain their airway spontaneously.
- Suctioning is used to remove liquids and secretions from the airway.
- Limit suctioning to 15 seconds in adults, 10 seconds in children, and 5 seconds in infants to prevent hypoxia.
- The recovery position is used to maintain an open airway in spontaneously breathing patients who are at risk of aspiration.
- Head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver is used to open the airway in patients without suspected spinal injury.
- Jaw-thrust maneuver is used to open the airway in patients with suspected spinal injury.
- A foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) occurs when a foreign object blocks the airway.
- Signs of FBAO include sudden onset of respiratory distress, coughing, choking, and cyanosis.
- Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) are used to relieve FBAO in conscious adults and children.
- Chest thrusts are used to relieve FBAO in pregnant or obese patients.
- Back blows and chest thrusts are used to relieve FBAO in infants.
- If a patient with FBAO becomes unconscious, begin chest compressions.
- Airway management is a critical skill for EMTs to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation for patients in respiratory distress or failure.
- Proper assessment, intervention, and monitoring are essential for successful airway management.
- Continuous reassessment of the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of interventions.
- Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method of measuring the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood.
- A pulse oximeter reading of less than 95% indicates hypoxia.
- Capnography is a method of measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in a patient's exhaled breath.
- Capnography can be used to assess the effectiveness of ventilation and CPR.
- Basic airway adjuncts include oropharyngeal airways (OPAs) and nasopharyngeal airways (NPAs).
- Advanced airway adjuncts include endotracheal intubation, supraglottic airways, and surgical airways.
- Endotracheal intubation is the insertion of a tube into the trachea to provide a secure airway.
- Supraglottic airways are devices that are inserted into the pharynx to provide an airway without entering the trachea.
- A surgical airway is a procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea to create an airway.
- Airway management in pediatric patients requires special considerations due to their smaller airway size and anatomical differences.
- The sniffing position is the optimal position for opening the airway in pediatric patients.
- Gentle ventilation with a BVM is essential in pediatric patients to avoid barotrauma.
- Airway management in geriatric patients may be complicated by age-related changes in the respiratory system.
- Geriatric patients may have decreased respiratory muscle strength and decreased lung elasticity.
- Careful assessment and monitoring are essential when managing the airway in geriatric patients.
- Patients with facial trauma may have significant airway compromise due to swelling, bleeding, and obstruction.
- Rapid assessment and intervention are critical in patients with facial trauma.
- Suctioning and airway adjuncts may be necessary to maintain an open airway in patients with facial trauma.
- Patients with stomas or tracheostomies require special considerations for airway management.
- Direct ventilation through the stoma or tracheostomy may be necessary.
- A bag-valve-mask (BVM) can be connected directly to the stoma or tracheostomy tube.
- Airway management in patients with suspected spinal injury requires careful attention to avoid further injury.
- The jaw-thrust maneuver should be used to open the airway in patients with suspected spinal injury.
- Cervical spine immobilization should be maintained throughout airway management.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a non-invasive form of ventilation that provides continuous positive pressure to keep the airway open.
- CPAP is used to treat conditions such as pulmonary edema, COPD, and asthma.
- Careful monitoring is essential when using CPAP to avoid complications such as pneumothorax and hypotension.
- Respiratory distress is a condition in which a patient is having difficulty breathing.
- Respiratory failure is a condition in which a patient is unable to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
- Signs of respiratory distress include increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate, nasal flaring, and retractions.
- Signs of respiratory failure include altered mental status, cyanosis, and decreased respiratory rate.
- Prompt recognition and treatment of respiratory distress and failure are essential to prevent further deterioration.
- Proper documentation of airway management interventions is essential for continuity of care.
- Documentation should include the patient's condition, interventions performed, and the patient's response to treatment.
- Communication with other healthcare providers is essential to ensure coordinated care.
- Effective airway management requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and critical thinking.
- Continuous training and education are essential for EMTs to maintain their skills in airway management.
- Maintaining a patent airway is the first step in managing any patient.
- Always be prepared to manage the airway, regardless of the patient's initial presentation.
- Airway management is a dynamic process that requires ongoing assessment and intervention.
- The goal of airway management is to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation for all patients.
- Always follow local protocols and guidelines when managing the airway.
- Patient safety is the top priority in airway management.
- Be aware of the potential complications of airway management interventions.
- Continuously reassess the patient's condition and adjust interventions as needed.
- Work as a team to provide the best possible care for the patient.
- Practice makes perfect.
- Review airway management skills regularly to maintain proficiency.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest advances in airway management.
- Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges.
- Never give up on a patient.
- Keep calm and carry on.
- Trust your instincts.
- Always double-check your equipment before use.
- Be aware of your limitations and seek assistance when needed.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Be a patient advocate.
- Treat every patient with respect and compassion.
- Remember that you are making a difference in someone's life.
- Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.
- Learn from your mistakes.
- Never stop learning.
- Be a lifelong student of airway management.
- The more you know, the better you will be.
- The better you are, the more lives you will save.
- Always strive to improve.
- Never settle for mediocrity.
- Be the best EMT you can be.
- Be the EMT that you would want to care for your family.
- Put the patient first, last, and always.
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