RCP 110: The Upper airway

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the larynx regarding solid and liquid intake?

Regulates breathing

Speech generation

Connects the pharynx to the trachea

Prevents aspiration (correct)

Which cartilage of the larynx is commonly referred to as the Adam's apple?

Epiglottis

Thyroid cartilage (correct)

Cricoid cartilage

Corniculate cartilage

What shape is the cricoid cartilage described as?

Signet ring (correct)

Triangular

Circular

Square

Which type of blade of a laryngoscope directly touches the epiglottis?

Macintosh blade Signup and view all the answers

What role do the vocal cords play in the larynx?

Generate speech Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical landmark does the epiglottis serve as when inserting an endotracheal tube?

Opening of the larynx Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the larynx?

Laryngitis Signup and view all the answers

What structure prevents the aspiration of foods and liquids when swallowing?

Epiglottis Signup and view all the answers

Which structure forms a significant part of the larynx's posterior wall?

Cricoid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main characteristics of tenacious mucus in patients with pneumonia?

It is sticky and thick Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT a part of the upper airway?

Trachea Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the upper airway?

Filter, humidify, and condition air Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pharynx is located between the nasal cavity and the soft palate?

Nasopharynx Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a classic sign of respiratory discomfort, particularly in neonates?

Increased airway resistance Signup and view all the answers

What lining is found in the nasopharynx?

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure hangs from the back of the throat?

Uvula Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of increased airway resistance during inspiration?

Obligate mouth breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the upper airway?

Facilitate gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical feature is located on the sides of the back of the throat?

Palatine tonsils Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the true vocal cords?

To produce sound Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with laryngitis?

Inspiratory barking cough Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cause of laryngitis?

Heavy smoking Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment for croup?

Steroids Signup and view all the answers

Which technique can help prevent post-extubation laryngeal edema?

Keeping the bed at a 40-degree angle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes post-extubation laryngeal edema?

Swelling following the removal of an endotracheal tube Signup and view all the answers

What is the main viral cause of croup?

Parainfluenza virus Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about true and false vocal cords is accurate?

False vocal cords serve primarily to protect the airway. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding the treatment of viral croup?

Croup can be treated with antibiotics. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of laryngitis?

Complete loss of voice Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of croup?

Viral infection Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is NOT appropriate for croup?

Antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is commonly associated with epiglottitis?

Drooling Signup and view all the answers

What is identified by the "thumbprint" sign on a lateral neck view?

Epiglottitis Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is cricothyrotomy most likely performed?

In severe cases where intubation is not possible Signup and view all the answers

What is a major distinguishing factor between croup and epiglottitis?

Croup results from a viral infection, while epiglottitis is bacterial. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nasopharynx?

To filter, warm, and humidify the air Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical structure lies directly between the soft palate and the base of the tongue?

Epiglottic vallecula Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if the adenoids are swollen?

Mouth breathing can occur due to blockage Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the tube in intubation?

To bypass the upper airway for ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What landmark is used in intubation procedures?

Epiglottic vallecula Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelial tissue lines the nasopharynx?

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured by the respiratory therapist during intubation?

The air is filtered, warmed, and humidified Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the nasopharynx?

Palatine tonsils Signup and view all the answers

What is a common patient care consideration for those with smoke inhalation injuries?

Maintaining higher humidity levels Signup and view all the answers

What can potentially happen if the intubation tube is incorrectly placed?

It could enter the esophagus instead Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Airways Overview

Conducting airways serve as passageways for air to reach the alveoli, crucial for ventilation without gas exchange.
Airways are classified into the upper and lower airways.

The Upper Airway

Comprises the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Important to list all for exams.
Functions include conducting air, humidifying and temperature conditioning of inspired air, and preventing foreign material entry into the tracheobronchial tree.
Plays a vital role in speech and smell, composed of bone and cartilage.

Respiratory Distress Indicators

Signs of respiratory distress include increased airway resistance (e.g., asthma), stiffer lungs (e.g., pneumonia), or any airway obstruction.
Patients may experience greater negative pressure during inspiration, leading to mouth breathing and possible snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.

Anatomy of the Oral Cavity

Divided into hard palate and soft palate; the uvula hangs from the throat, and palatine tonsils are located at the throat's sides.

Pharynx Structure

Consists of three sections: nasopharynx, oral pharynx, and laryngeal pharynx.
Nasopharynx: Located behind the nasal cavity, lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium; contains adenoids which can obstruct nasal breathing when swollen.

Oral Pharynx

Positioned between the soft palate and the base of the tongue; contains palatine tonsils and epiglottic vallecula, a critical landmark for intubation.

Intubation

Involves placing a tube through the mouth, pharynx, and larynx into the trachea, bypassing the upper airway's filtering and conditioning functions.

Larynx Anatomy

Known as the voice box, it connects the pharynx to the trachea and is vital for protection against aspiration and speech production.
Composed of 9 cartilages: 3 single (thyroid, cricoid, epiglottis) and 3 paired.

Important Larynx Structures

Thyroid cartilage: Adam's apple, larger in males.
Cricoid cartilage: Signet ring-shaped, part of the larynx's posterior wall.
Epiglottis: Flap that covers larynx during swallowing to prevent aspiration.

Laryngoscope Types

Macintosh blade: Contacts epiglottis directly.
Miller blade: Indirect contact with the tissue related to the epiglottis.

Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, often causing hoarseness and voice loss due to various irritants or infections.
Post-extubation laryngeal edema: Inflammation post-removal of an endotracheal tube, which may lead to complications if not managed properly.

Croup and Epiglottitis Comparison

Croup: Viral origin; presents with a barking cough; treated with steroids and racemic epinephrine.
Epiglottitis: Bacterial infection; presents with drooling and difficulty swallowing; requires antibiotics and airway management.

Emergency Procedures

Cricothyrotomy: Incision in the cricoid cartilage for establishing an airway in emergencies when intubation is unsuccessful.
Tracheostomy: Surgical creation of an artificial airway; respiratory therapists can assist but not perform crics.

Ventilatory Function

The larynx ensures unobstructed airflow to and from the lungs, highlighting its importance in respiratory function.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, specifically the upper airway. You'll explore the key components of the upper airway, including the nose and oral cavity, and their role in the ventilation process.