2 Airway Techniques and Tube Placement Free Online FlashCards

Which maneuver opens an unresponsive adult’s airway when neck injury is not suspected?

Use a head tilt–chin lift to open the airway in an unresponsive adult when neck injury is not suspected.

What airway maneuver should a trained rescuer try first when head or neck trauma is suspected?

A trained rescuer should first use a jaw thrust without head extension. If it does not open the airway, use a head tilt–chin lift as needed; adequate ventilation takes priority.

How should a visible object in the mouth be handled?

Remove a visible object from the mouth, but do not perform a blind finger sweep.

When is an oropharyngeal airway appropriate?

An OPA holds the tongue away from the posterior pharynx. Use it in an unresponsive patient without an intact gag reflex; it may trigger gagging, vomiting, or laryngospasm if the reflex is present.

When may a nasopharyngeal airway be better tolerated, and when should it be avoided?

An NPA passes through a nostril into the pharynx and may be better tolerated when a gag reflex remains. Avoid it with suspected severe facial or basilar skull injury.

Where does a supraglottic airway sit, and what does it provide?

An SGA sits above the vocal cords and provides a channel for ventilation without placing a tube in the trachea.

What are two important limitations of a supraglottic airway?

SGAs are often quicker to place than endotracheal tubes, but provide a less complete tracheal seal. Aspiration protection is limited, and ventilation may leak if positioning is poor or airway pressures are high.

What should be checked after inserting a supraglottic airway?

After insertion, assess chest rise and air entry, check for leaks or obstruction, and monitor exhaled carbon dioxide when available. Reposition or replace an ineffective device and secure it once functioning.

What should be prepared before an endotracheal intubation attempt?

Prepare suction, oxygen and ventilation equipment, the tube and laryngoscope, monitoring, and a backup plan such as bag-mask ventilation or an SGA. Preoxygenate when feasible.

How should airway attempts affect chest compressions during cardiac arrest?

During cardiac arrest, an airway attempt should not cause avoidable interruption of chest compressions. Airway choice and timing depend on the patient, setting, and operator skill.

How should the endotracheal tube be guided through the vocal cords?

Identify the laryngeal landmarks and pass the tube through the vocal cords under direct or video visualization. If the landmarks are not identified, do not advance the tube blindly.

What is the priority when endotracheal intubation fails?

Limit repeated attempts. If intubation fails, return to effective oxygenation and ventilation and move to the backup plan.