Basic Airways

Question 1

Common Causes of Airway Problems

Answer 1

• blockage/obstruction
• spasm
• infection
• Trauma
• loss of airway protection (loss of consciousness/neurological function
• illness like hypoxia, hypoglycaemia
• respiratory deterioration (asmtha, chronic illness, respiratory failure)

Question 2

Simple Airway Assessment

Answer 2

Look- chest, obstruction, rate, trauma, speech?
Listen- sounds
Feel -expansion, tracheal positioning

Question 3

What is See-Saw Breathing?

Answer 3

During Inspiration and Expiration, the chest and abdomen rise independently not together (maybe, should double check)

Question 4

What are the Two Simple Adjuncts?

Answer 4

Nasopharyngeal Airway (Nose)
Oropharyngeal Airway (mouth)

Question 5

Nasopharyngeal Airway - Sizing and how to Insert

Answer 5

Insert, keep pushing. How to Size – Angle of jaw to tip of the nose

Question 6

Oropharyngeal Airway - Sizing and how to Insert

Answer 6

How to Size – teeth round to jaw. Put in backwards till feel resistance, then twist and push till fully in

Question 7

What are the 3 Basic Airway Opening Manoeuvres?

Answer 7

1. Head Tilt + Chin Up
2. Jaw Thrust
3. (Then) Suction to remove fluid

Question 8

What is Stepwise Management?

Answer 8

The increasing order of medical intervention to aid a person’s breathing

Question 9

What is the steps in Stepwise Management?

Answer 9

1. Manual Method eg positioning
2. Simple Adjuncts
3. Supraglottic Airway Device ie Igel
4. Assisting Intubation
5. Needle and Surgical