Airway Management and Assessment Quiz

Airway Assessment

• Opens airway using jaw thrust for spinal trauma or head tilt with chin lift.
• Signs of airway obstruction: choking, tripoding, retractions, nasal flaring.
• Check for visual obstructions like angioedema, fluids, teeth, or foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO).
• Listen for abnormal sounds: snoring, gurgling, stridor, wheezing.

Angioedema

• Swelling of mucous tissues around the face and neck.

Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO)

• Occurs when an object blocks the airway.

Gurgling

• Indicates presence of fluid in the airway.

Stridor

• High-pitched sound signifying swelling in the upper airway.

Wheezing

• Low-pitched sound indicating constricted lower airway.

Airway Management

• Clear airway using abdominal thrusts, back blows, or suction as necessary.
• Insert airway adjunct if indicated after assessment.

Oral Pharyngeal Airway (OPA)

• Device that holds the tongue away from the airway, sized from ear to mouth.

Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)

• Typically sized for the right nostril; avoid in head trauma, size from ear to nose.

Breathing Assessment

• Rate: assess for tachypnea (fast) or bradypnea (slow).
• Rhythm: check for normal, irregular, patterned, or apnea.
• Quality: evaluate depth of chest movement.
• Signs include tripod/ sniffling position, nasal flaring, or retractions.
• Listen for heaving, wheezing, stridor, and wet lung sounds.

Breathing Management

• Ensure adequate ventilation and initiate oxygen therapy (nasal cannula, non-rebreather mask, BVM).
• Manage injuries impacting breathing and seal wounds with occlusive dressings.
• Anticipate future medication needs.

Breathing Terms

• Eupnea: Normal breathing.
• Tachypnea: Fast breathing.
• Bradypnea: Slow breathing.
• Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing.
• Apnea: Absence of breathing.

Ventilation vs. Respiration

• Ventilation: Mechanical movement of air.
• Respiration: Gas exchange in the body.

Bag Valve Mask (BVM)

• In adult: 1 breath every 5-6 seconds; in child: 3-5 seconds; in pediatric: 1-2 seconds.
• Deliveres oxygen at 15 lpm.

Oxygen Delivery Methods

• Nasal cannula: 0.25-6 lpm O2.
• Non-rebreather mask: 10-15 lpm O2, used for breathing patients.

Perfusion

• Defined as circulation of blood to tissues and vital organs.

Blood Vessels

• Arteries: Large vessels carrying blood away from the heart.
• Arterioles: Smaller vessels branching from arteries.
• Capillaries: Sites of gas and nutrient exchange.
• Venules: Collect blood from capillaries to return it to veins.
• Veins: Carry blood back to the heart.

Circulation Assessment

• Check pulse for rate (tachycardia vs. bradycardia), rhythm (regular vs. irregular), quality (weak, normal, strong, bounding).
• Assess skin conditions: color, temperature, and condition; monitor for major bleeding.

Circulation Management

• Control major bleeding with direct pressure, pressure dressing, or tourniquet.
• Initiate shock management with supine position and conservation of body heat.

Cyanosis

• Skin appearance signifying lack of oxygen, characterized by blue/purple coloring.

Diaphoresis

• Excessive sweating, often indicating distress or shock.

Tourniquet

• Applied high and tight, at least 2-3 inches above the injury site.

Supine Position

• Laying on the back, helps equalize blood flow.

Shock (Hypoperfusion)

• Condition of inadequate blood flow to vital organs; signs include cool, pale, and clammy skin.

CAB for Unconscious Patients

• Cycle of actions: start compressions if no pulse is present, establish airway, ensure breathing.

X-ABCs

• Priorities in emergency response: Exsanguination (control bleeding as a top priority).

Suction Guidelines

• Adults: No more than 15 seconds.
• Children: No more than 10 seconds.
• Infants: No more than 5 seconds.

Test your knowledge on airway assessment and management techniques, including the signs of airway obstruction, the use of airway adjuncts, and methods of clearing the airway. This quiz covers critical concepts such as angioedema, foreign body airway obstruction, and abnormal respiratory sounds.