Provider Manual 9th Edition
If an airway is patent, what is the goal? - ansFocusing efforts at maintaining and
supporting a patent airway
(Pt may be allowed to assume position that facilitates better air exchange so long as no
CSI is suspected)
Can an oropharyngeal airway be used in someone with a gag reflex? - ansNo
How do you assess breathing? - ansExpose the patient's chest and inspect for the
following:
Spontaneous breathing
Symmetrical chest rise and fall
Depth, pattern and rate of resps
Work of breathing (accessory muscles, pursed lip, diaphragmatic breathing)
Skin colour
, Contusions, abrasions, deformities
Open pneumothorax
JVD
Signs of inhalation injuries
Sign of inhalation injuries - ansSinged nasal hairs
Carbonaceous sputum
Hoarse voice
How to assess for proper placement of a definitive airway (3 steps) - ans1. Attach CO2
detector (assess for presence of CO2 after 5-6 breaths)
2. Adequate rise/fall of chest with assisted ventilation
3. Auscultate for gurgling over epigastrium and presence of bilateral breath sounds.
What is a result of inadequate oxygenation? - ansHypoxemia
Resulting in anaerobic metabolism and acidosis
ETCO2 level indicating effective ventilation - ans35-45 mm
(Greater than 50 signifies depressed ventilation