Airway Basics
What are the two most important life-saving skills listed at the start of the chapter?
Airway care and rescue breathing
What initial question should you ask to check a patient’s responsiveness?
“Are you okay? Can you hear me?” (and observe response)
What maneuver is recommended to open the airway for most patients (head/neck not injured)?
Head tilt–chin lift maneuver.
Name the two airway adjuncts described in the chapter.
Oral airway and nasal airway.
What device measures the percentage of oxygen saturation in blood?
Pulse oximeter
Name the three components of the basic ABCs of life-saving skills
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
If a patient is unresponsive, what is the first action you should take regarding emergency services?
Call 9-1-1 first
Which airway-opening maneuver should you use if you suspect a neck or spinal injury?
Jaw-thrust maneuver
For an oral airway, how is the correct size selected?
Measure from the earlobe to the corner of the mouth (oral) or from earlobe to tip of nose (nasal).
What is the typical normal oxygen saturation range for a healthy patient?
Between 94% and 100%
Which structure attached to the lower jaw can block the airway in an unconscious person lying on their back?
The tongue
What three things do you look for in the “look, listen, and feel” technique to assess breathing?
Look for rise and fall of the chest, listen for air moving in/out of nose or mouth, feel for air on the side of your face.
When performing the head tilt–chin lift, where do you place your hands?
One hand on forehead applying firm pressure backward; fingertips under bony part of lower jaw to lift chin forward.
Why might a nasal airway be preferred over an oral airway in some patients?
A nasal airway is less likely to cause vomiting and can be used in some conscious or semi-conscious patients.
Name two oxygen delivery devices described and one flow-rate or concentration detail for each.
Nasal cannula: delivers low-flow oxygen at 1–6 L/min (about 24%–44%); Nonrebreathing mask: delivers high-flow oxygen at 8–15 L/min and up to about 90% concentration.
The main purpose of the respiratory system is to....
provide oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from the red blood cells.
List three signs of inadequate breathing.
Examples: noisy respirations/wheezing/gurgling; rapid or gasping respirations; pale or blue skin; lack of chest movement/breath sounds/air on your face (respiratory arrest)
For a conscious adult with a complete airway obstruction who cannot cough or speak, what immediate technique is recommended?
Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) for conscious adult with complete obstruction; if becomes unresponsive, begin CPR.
What is one primary purpose of an oral airway other than keeping the airway open?
Functions as a pathway for suctioning
Which of the following conditions would most likely require high-flow (90% or higher) oxygen?
A. Slight shortness of breath B. Carbon monoxide poisoning C. Isolated fracture of the ankle D. Panic attack with hyperventilationB. Carbon monoxide poisoning
Explain why lack of oxygen for even a few minutes is dangerous to the body.
Because lack of oxygen even for a few minutes can cause irreversible damage and death.
Describe how you would quickly check an unresponsive patient for breathing and circulation (include position and immediate checks).
If unresponsive: place on back supporting head/neck, quickly scan chest for breathing, check for a pulse; if pulse present but not breathing, correct airway and begin rescue breathing.
For an infant with a suspected severe airway obstruction who becomes unresponsive, what sequence of actions should you begin?
Use back slaps and chest thrusts initially if infant is conscious with obstruction; if infant becomes unresponsive, ensure EMS is activated and begin CPR (follow with airway checks and continue until advanced help arrives).
When using suction on an adult, what is the maximum recommended continuous suction time?
Do not suction an adult for more than 15 seconds at a time (child 10 sec; infant 5 sec).
What are three limitations or situations that can make pulse oximeter readings inaccurate?
Inaccurate readings can occur if patient is wearing nail polish or has dirty fingers, is cold, has lost a lot of blood, or in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.