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Questions and Answers
What is the primary concern when dealing with a compromised airway in an adult?
What is the primary concern when dealing with a compromised airway in an adult?
Which of the following individuals is at high risk of airway compromise?
Which of the following individuals is at high risk of airway compromise?
What is the first step in responding to a person experiencing a partially obstructed airway?
What is the first step in responding to a person experiencing a partially obstructed airway?
Which of the following airway manoeuvres is considered a simple airway manoeuvre?
Which of the following airway manoeuvres is considered a simple airway manoeuvre?
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How does a compromised airway in an adult affect ventilation?
How does a compromised airway in an adult affect ventilation?
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Study Notes
Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System
- The respiratory system consists of the upper airway (nose, mouth, throat) and lower airway (trachea, bronchi, lungs)
- The upper airway warms, humidifies, and filters incoming air, while the lower airway facilitates gas exchange between the lungs and bloodstream
Compromised Airway in an Adult
- Airway compromise can occur due to various factors, such as:
- Anatomical obstructions (e.g., tumors, foreign objects)
- Infections (e.g., epiglottitis, abscesses)
- Inflammations (e.g., anaphylaxis, allergic reactions)
- Trauma (e.g., facial injuries, burns)
- Identifying persons at risk of airway compromise:
- Patients with a history of respiratory disease, facial trauma, or allergic reactions
- Those with a decreased level of consciousness (e.g., due to head injury, stroke, or drug overdose)
Responding to a Partially or Completely Obstructed Airway
- Recognition of signs and symptoms:
- Ineffective breathing (e.g., wheezing, stridor, cyanosis)
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Choking or coughing
- Agitation, anxiety, or panic
- Initial response:
- Call for assistance
- Position the person upright or on their side, depending on the situation
- Encourage the person to cough or try to clear the obstruction
- Simple airway maneuvers:
- Chin lift: gently lifting the chin to open the airway
- Jaw thrust: pushing the jaw forward to open the airway
- Back blows: five quick blows between the shoulder blades to dislodge the obstruction
Influence of a Compromised Airway on Ventilation
- A compromised airway can lead to:
- Hypoxia (insufficient oxygenation of the body)
- Respiratory distress or failure
- Decreased lung volume and compliance
- Increased work of breathing, leading to fatigue and exhaustion
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Description
Assess the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system in relation to airway compromise in adults. Identify at-risk individuals and respond to partial or complete airway obstruction. Learn simple airway manoeuvres and understand their impact on ventilation.
