OCEMT Airway Management Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the preferred suction catheter for suctioning of the oropharynx?

Flexible catheter

Straight catheter

Rigid tip catheter (correct)

Soft tip catheter

How do we measure for placement of an OPA?

Corner of mouth to the earlobe

What is the proper sequence for suctioning a patient's airway?

Turn on vacuum, manually open airway/mouth, do not put finger over catheter hole until you are in the mouth, only as far as you can see, vacuum in an upward circular motion, no more than 15 sec for adults, 10 for pediatrics, 5 for infants

What part of the lungs are obstructed when wheezing occurs?

Bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

What causes snoring in an unresponsive patient?

Relaxation of the tongue muscles blocking the posterior pharynx Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely cause of snoring respirations?

Upper airway obstruction by the tongue Signup and view all the answers

How do we open a patient's airway when not concerned with a cervical injury?

Head tilt-chin lift Signup and view all the answers

How do we open a patient's airway when concerned with a cervical injury?

Jaw-thrust maneuver Signup and view all the answers

What are the indications for using an OPA?

Apneic patients being ventilated with a bag-valve mask Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications for using an NPA?

Severe head injury with blood in the nose Signup and view all the answers

What are we looking for while assessing a patient's respiratory effort?

Recognizing adequate and abnormal breathing patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely cause of airway obstruction in an adult?

The tongue Signup and view all the answers

If a conscious adult patient appears to be choking but can speak and cough, what should we do?

Do not interfere as long as they can breathe forcefully or talk Signup and view all the answers

What is the best suction catheter for an adult patient choking on pureed food?

Rigid tip catheter Signup and view all the answers

What are signs of upper airway obstruction?

Cyanosis around lips Signup and view all the answers

What is the time limit for suctioning a patient's airway before reattempting oxygenation?

15 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What should we do with loose dentures in a patient?

Remove them; if secure, keep them in Signup and view all the answers

What is diffusion?

The process in which gases move from higher to lower concentration Signup and view all the answers

How do we treat a patient with respirations of 6 per minute?

Ventilate with a BVM Signup and view all the answers

What are the normal respiratory ranges for adults, pediatrics, and neonates?

Adults: 12-20, Pediatrics: 15-30, Neonates: 25-50 Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of airflow from the atmosphere to the lungs?

Atmosphere, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

What does your diaphragm do upon exhalation?

Relaxes Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to deliver oxygen to a patient who is SOB and cyanotic around the lips?

Non-rebreather mask Signup and view all the answers

How many rescuers are preferred for delivering oxygen via BVM?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to determine if artificial ventilations are adequate?

Chest rise and fall Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrenic nerve control and where is it located?

Controls the diaphragm and located in the neck (C3-C5) Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to administer oxygen to a COPD patient and why?

Use CPAP if responsive to maintain oxygen saturation Signup and view all the answers

Why do we assess carotid and radial pulses at the same time?

To compare pulse quality in extremities versus central organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate oxygen flow for a BVM?

15-25 liters per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a sign and a symptom?

A symptom is reported by the patient; a sign is observed by the provider Signup and view all the answers

How should we deliver oxygen to a patient that is entrapped?

Positive pressure ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of anxiety-related shortness of breath, and how can we treat these patients?

Help them calm down; breathe with them Signup and view all the answers

When should we consider using humidified oxygen?

During prolonged use of a nasal cannula Signup and view all the answers

How often do we ventilate a patient in respiratory arrest but with a pulse?

10-12 breaths per minute Signup and view all the answers

How can we assist ventilations with a patient just converted from cardiac arrest?

Using a BVM Signup and view all the answers

What are physical signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure?

Low oxygen saturation Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of tension pneumothorax?

Pain in the chest and difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

Define dyspnea.

Difficult or labored breathing Signup and view all the answers

What patient demographic would we likely encounter 'see-saw' respirations?

Pediatric patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the BVM rate when utilizing an OPA?

10-12 breaths per minute Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of epiglottitis?

Abnormal, high-pitched sound when breathing in (stridor), drooling, fever, severe sore throat Signup and view all the answers

What medication acts as a 'Beta-2' agonist?

Albuterol Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of COPD?

Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, chronic cough Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of acute pulmonary edema?

Shortness of breath, cough, decreased exercise tolerance, chest pain Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis?

Coughing with mucus, difficulty breathing, inflammation of bronchial tubes Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms may be noted with a patient suffering from congestive heart failure when laying supine at night?

Fluid buildup causing shortness of breath, especially in a supine position Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of pneumonia?

Cough with phlegm, fever, difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

What type of respiratory patient would best respond to albuterol?

Asthmatic patients Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism?

Blockage in pulmonary arteries, often with chest pain and difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the etiology of cystic fibrosis?

Hereditary disease affecting lungs and digestive system Signup and view all the answers

How can a pulmonary embolism present with crackles in the lungs?

Fine sounds from fluid in small airways during respiration Signup and view all the answers

When would we notice blood-tinged sputum being coughed up?

Tuberculosis Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms may be noted when treating a patient with pneumothorax?

Shortness of breath, chest pain, pressure in the chest Signup and view all the answers

What type of patient may present with brownish sputum?

Pneumonia patients Signup and view all the answers

What should we do with an inhaler prior to assisting with administering medication?

Ensure the medication is properly identified as belonging to the patient Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Airway Management Principles

Preferred suction catheter for oropharynx: Rigid tip catheter is optimal for effective suctioning.
OPA placement measurement: Measure from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe for appropriate oropharyngeal airway size.
Suctioning procedure: Sequence includes turning on the vacuum, manually opening the airway, avoiding finger placement over the catheter hole until inside the mouth, and using upward circular motion for a maximum of 15 seconds (adults) or less for pediatrics and infants.

Respiratory Sound Etiology

Wheezing: Indicates constriction of bronchioles, commonly associated with asthma or bronchiolitis. Often treated with inhaled albuterol.
Snoring: Occurs when the tongue relaxes and obstructs airflow in unresponsive patients.

Airway Management Techniques

Airway opening without cervical injury: Use the head tilt-chin lift method.
Airway opening with cervical injury concern: Employ the jaw-thrust maneuver for safer management.

OPA and NPA Considerations

OPA indications: Suitable for unresponsive patients without a gag reflex or apneic patients with BVM ventilation. Contraindicated for conscious patients or those with a gag reflex.
NPA indications: Useful for semiconscious/unconscious patients with intact gag reflex and those who can't tolerate OPA. Contraindicated in severe head injury with nasal bleeding or history of nasal fractures.

Respiratory Effort Assessment

Normal respiratory rates: Adults 12-20 breaths/min, Pediatric 15-30, Neonate 25-50. Signs of adequate breathing include regular patterns and equal lung sounds.
Abnormal signs: Irregular patterns, diminished sounds, or breathing rates below 12 or above 20 suggest compromised respiratory status.

Airway Obstruction Causes and Responses

Common causes in adults: The tongue and food are frequent obstructive factors.
Choking response: If a conscious adult can talk or cough forcefully, do not interfere.

Ventilation and Oxygen Delivery

Oxygen delivery during respiratory distress: In conscious patients with shortness of breath and cyanosis, use a non-rebreather mask. In respiratory arrest with a pulse, ventilate at 10-12 breaths/min using BVM.
Appropriate oxygen flow for BVM: Maintain a flow rate of 15-25 liters per minute.

Disease Signs and Symptoms

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Indications include crackles in lungs, low oxygen saturation, and bloody sputum.
Tension Pneumothorax: Signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and normal vital signs.
Dyspnea: Defined as difficult or labored breathing; better comfort in upright position.
Epilglottitis: Characterized by high-pitched stridor, drooling, fever, and severe sore throat, relieved by sitting up.

Specific Conditions and Treatments

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Symptoms consist of shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough with mucus production, primarily due to smoking.
Pulmonary Embolism: Caused by blockage in pulmonary arteries, often due to blood clots from deep veins.
Cystic Fibrosis: A hereditary condition producing thick mucus affecting lungs and digestive tract.
Pneumonia: Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing due to lung infections and fluid accumulation.

Inhaler and Medication Administration

Use of inhalers: Confirm the inhaler is pre-prescribed, verify the patient's claims regarding ownership, and ensure the patient exhibits relevant symptoms before administration.

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Description

Test your knowledge on airway management techniques with these flashcards designed for OCEMT students. Learn essential definitions and procedures related to suctioning and airway assessment. Perfect for quick reviews before exams or clinical practice.