EMT Chapter 8 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a patent airway?

An airway that is open and clear and will remain open and clear, without interference to the passage of air into and out of the body.

What is the point of division between the upper airway and the lower airway called?

The laryngopharynx.

What are some obstructions that can interfere with air flow?

Foreign bodies like food and small toys, fluids including blood and vomit, and failure of muscle tone.

What is 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 flow. Signup and view all the answers

What is a clear indicator if the patient is getting some air?

If they are able to say hello back. Signup and view all the answers

What is stridor?

A high-pitched sound generated from partially obstructed air flow in the upper airway. Signup and view all the answers

What are some signs of an inadequate airway?

There are no signs of breathing, evidence of foreign bodies, no air can be felt or heard, inability to speak, a hoarse voice, and nasal flaring. Signup and view all the answers

What position should a patient be in?

Supine, while protecting the head and neck during position changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the head-lift, chin-lift maneuver?

A way of correcting blockage of the airway by the tongue by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective way to clear the patient's airway?

Using the Yankauer suction device. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 2 most common airway adjuncts?

Oropharyngeal airway (OPA) and nasopharyngeal airway (NPA). Signup and view all the answers

Where are OPAs put?

Inserted in the mouth. Signup and view all the answers

Where are NPAs put?

Inserted in the nose. Signup and view all the answers

What are some rules for airway adjuncts?

Only use an OPA on patients who don't have a gag reflex, open the patient's mouth first, and have suction ready before inserting any airway. Signup and view all the answers

What is the needed step before operating a suction unit?

Tubing, suction tips, suction catheters, collection container, and a container of clean or sterile water. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 rules to suctioning?

Use appropriate infection control practices while suctioning, try limiting suctioning to no longer than 10 seconds at a time, and suction on the way out. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cause of prolonged suctioning?

Hypoxia, then death. Signup and view all the answers

What to do before suctioning?

Give oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

When is suctioning best delivered?

When the patient is on their side, unless injured. Signup and view all the answers

When not to suction?

If the patient is gagging or never probe into wounds or attempt to suction away attached tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What can be used to ensure an open airway to the level of the lungs?

An endotracheal tube. Signup and view all the answers

What is suctioning?

Use of a vacuum device to remove blood, vomitus, and other secretions or foreign materials from the airway. Signup and view all the answers

What types of suctioning devices are there?

Mounted suction systems and portable suction units. Signup and view all the answers

What are the conditions for mounted suction systems to be effective?

Must furnish an air intake of at least 30 L/min at the open end of a collection tube and generate a vacuum of no less than 300 mmHg. Signup and view all the answers

What is a rule for tubing related to suctioning?

Must be long enough; names include 'Yankauer' and 'tonsil sucker'. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the special considerations for suctioning?

Facial injuries, obstructions, dental appliances. Signup and view all the answers

What is mentioned about obstructions during suctioning?

Suctioning is not useful for solids; it must be done manually. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Airway Management

A patent airway is open, clear, and will remain unobstructed, allowing air to flow freely.
The laryngopharynx marks the division between the upper and lower airways.
Common airway obstructions include foreign bodies (food, small toys), fluids (blood, vomit), and loss of muscle tone (tongue falling back).

Bronchoconstriction and Indicators

Bronchoconstriction refers to the contraction of bronchial smooth muscles, reducing airflow and increasing resistance.
A patient can indicate they're receiving air by being able to respond with a simple "hello."

Signs of Inadequate Airway

Absence of breathing signs.
Presence of foreign objects in the airway.
No airflow detectable at nostrils or mouth.
Inability to speak, hoarse voice, or nasal flaring.

Patient Positioning

Patients should be placed in a supine position, ensuring the head and neck are protected during any position changes.

Airway Maneuvers

The head-lift, chin-lift maneuver corrects airway blockage by tilting the head and lifting the chin, used when no trauma is suspected.
The jaw thrust maneuver moves the jaw forward without head tilt, ideal for patients with suspected trauma.

Airway Clearance Techniques

The most effective method for airway clearance is using a Yankauer suction device.
Two common airway adjuncts are the oropharyngeal airway (OPA) and nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), with OPAs inserted in the mouth and NPAs in the nose.

Guidelines for Airway Adjuncts

OPAs can only be used on patients without a gag reflex.
Always have suction ready before inserting adjuncts, and if a gag reflex occurs, remove the adjunct.
Personal protective equipment (mask, goggles, gloves) should be worn.

OPA and NPA Insertion Steps

For OPA:
- Open the airway.
- Measure from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe.
- Use the crossed fingers technique to open the mouth.
- Insert with the tip facing the roof of the mouth and rotate 180 degrees.
For NPA:
- Measure from nostril to earlobe.
- Apply lubricant before insertion.
- If resistance is felt, try the other nostril.

Endotracheal Tubes and Suctioning

An endotracheal tube can provide an open airway down to the lungs.
Suctioning is performed to clear the airway of blood, vomitus, and foreign materials using vacuum devices.

Suctioning Equipment and Techniques

Suctioning devices consist of mounted systems, portable units, tubing, tips, and catheters, which must provide a vacuum of at least 300 mmHg and an air intake of 30 L/min.
Before suctioning, have tubing, suction tips, catheters, collection containers, and sterile water available.

Suctioning Guidelines

Follow infection control practices during suction.
Limit suction time to no longer than 10 seconds to prevent hypoxia.
Place the suction tip at the desired site and suction on the way out.
Avoid suctioning if the patient is gagging or has attached tissues.

Special Considerations

Be aware of facial injuries, obstructions, and dental appliances when managing an airway.
Manual removal may be necessary for solid obstructions, as suctioning is ineffective.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key terminology related to airway management in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Chapter 8. Important terms like patent airway and obstructions are explored to enhance your understanding and retention of critical concepts in emergency care.