2 Airway Management Fundamentals Free Online FlashCards

What is the purpose of airway management?

An open airway allows air to reach the lungs.

What can obstruct the airway?

Reduced alertness can let the tongue and soft tissues obstruct the throat; blood, vomit, mucus, or a foreign object can also block airflow.

Which signs may indicate inadequate airflow?

Noisy breathing, weak coughing, difficulty speaking, visible breathing effort, blue or gray color, confusion, or decreasing alertness can signal a problem.

What should you do for apnea, gasping, or severe obstruction?

Apnea, gasping, or severe obstruction requires immediate emergency action: activate emergency services and begin the appropriate CPR response.

How should you respond to mild choking with an effective cough?

Encourage them to keep coughing and watch them closely. Follow current first-aid training for choking care.

How should a responsive person with breathing difficulty be positioned?

Let them choose a comfortable position; sitting upright often helps.

How does the head tilt–chin lift open the airway?

When neck injury is not suspected, gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to move the tongue away from the back of the throat.

What is the safe approach to an object in the mouth?

Remove only objects that are clearly visible and readily accessible. Never perform a blind finger sweep because it may push an object deeper.

When is an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) appropriate?

An OPA helps maintain airway patency in an unresponsive person without a gag reflex, often during bag-mask ventilation. Do not use it in a conscious or gagging person.

When may a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) be useful, and when should it be avoided?

An NPA may be better tolerated with an intact gag reflex or when oral access is difficult. Avoid it if basilar skull fracture is suspected; never force insertion.

What are two important limits of airway adjuncts?

Adjuncts do not replace monitoring, positioning, or ventilation when breathing is inadequate, and they do not protect against aspiration.

When may an unresponsive person who is breathing normally be placed in the recovery position?

If traumatic injury is not suspected and they cannot be closely monitored, place them on their side in a recovery position. Continue checking breathing.