Airway
How do we help an unresponsive patient who is snoring? gurgling?
*Snoring: Do a head tilt chin lift-put in a airway adjunct if needed.
Gurgling: roll patient on their side and sweep out the mouth. Could also consider suctioning.
In either case: Reassess breathing after giving assistance.
Why do we place a patient on a non rebreather mask?
A nonrebreather mask is used when the patient can maintain their own airway but needs a high concentration of oxygen. The reservoir bag stores oxygen so the patient inhales a much higher oxygen level than they would get from a simple mask or mouth-to-mask device.
What is the nasophrynx? oropharynx?
Nasopharynx: The upper part of the throat, behind the nose.
Oropharynx: The middle part of the throat, behind the mouth.
How often do we rescue breathe for infants and children?
1 breath every 2-3 seconds.
What type of cells do not regenerate once they have been destroyed?
Brain and heart cells cannot be replaced.
Why is it better to use a two handed C3 (EC) seal over one-rescuer bag valve mask?
With a two-rescuer bag valve mask, one rescuer can ventilate while the other does a two handed C3 (EC) seal to create a better mask to face seal.
What would you expect if you a have patient that is a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning?
In carbon monoxide poisoning, the red blood cells are bound with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. A pulse oximeter cannot tell the difference, so it often shows a normal or high SpO₂ reading, even though the patient is actually hypoxic.
What is the muscle that helps with breathing?
The diaphragm. (between the chest and abdomen)
When and how do you do a jaw thrust maneuver?
When: Use the jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway of an unresponsive patient with a suspected spinal (head, neck, or back) injury. It avoids moving the head and neck, unlike the head-tilt chin-lift.
How: Position yourself at the patient’s head. Place your fingers behind the angles of the lower jaw. Place your thumbs on the patient's cheekbones. Lift the jaw straight upward to move the tongue away from the airway, without tilting the head.
What do you do if you have a patient with a fistula or port in their left arm and you need to take vitals?
Try to avoid using that arm to take blood pressure.
What part of the airway is affected if we hear snoring? Wheezing?
1. Snoring-upper airway (often caused by the tongue)
2. Wheezing-lower airway
What is the percent of oxygen in the air?
What percent after we breath/exhale?
The air is 21% oxygen.
When we breathe and exhale, it is approximately 16% oxygen.
Define angina pectoris.
Chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) does not get enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow, usually from narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries.
Patient is anxious and your examination has not shown any life threatening issues. What do we do now?
Sometimes just keeping the patient comfortable and giving honest reassurance is one of the best tools you have.
You have an adult with a pulse but not breathing. What is the proper ventilation and rate?
For an adult: 10 to 12 breaths per min at 1 second duration.
1 breath every 6 seconds.
If you open an unconscious patient,s airway manually, what is a good next step?
Check for obstructions (clear if needed).
Evaluate breathing and oxygen needs.
Select the appropriate oxygen devices. (airway device and/or adjunct)
What is the liter flow for the most common airway devices?
Nasal Cannula: 1 to 6
Non rebreather: 10 to 15
Bag Valve Mask: 15 to 25
Define hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Hyperglycemia: An abnormally high blood glucose level. Too much glucose, not enough insulin.
Hypoglycemia: An abnormally low blood glucose level. Too much insulin, not enough glucose.
What is the rate of compressions/ventilations for 1 person child CPR?
The rate is 30:2. The rate does not change to 15:2 until there are 2 rescuers.
What helps food and liquid not enter the trachea?
The epiglottis covers the trachea when swallowing.
How do you measure an oropharyngeal airway? Nasopharyngeal?
Oropharyngeal: Corner of the mouth to the tip of the ear.
Nasopharyngeal: Measure from the side of the nose to the tip of the ear.
What airway adjunct would you avoid using if your patient had a major head injury?
Avoid using the NPA. It is flexible enough to enter into the brain cavity.
What is CHF? Full term and definition.
Congestive Heart Failure. CHF is the failure of the heart to pump enough blood. This causes fluid buildup in the lungs and extremities which contributes to extreme difficulty breathing.
What is the postictal stage after a seizure?
The postictal stage is the recovery period after a seizure. Often patients are weak, anxious and confused.
What natural object is most the most common cause of snoring?
The tongue is the most natural cause of snoring. Unnatural causes include food/candy.