Airway Unit Exam Questions and
Answers
Preferred suction catheter for suctioning the oropharynx - Answer-rigid tip with a contour
How to measure OPA? - Answer-from corner of mouth to earlobe
Proper sequence for suctioning patient - Answer-1. properly assemble and test unit for >300mmHG
2. Turn head to side (unless there is a cervical injury). Open mouth using cross-finger technique or
tongue-jaw lift, insert tip to measured depth.
3. Apply suction in circular motion as you withdraw
4. Alt. ventilation for 2 minutes and suction for 15/10/5 sec. based on age
Understand etiology of wheezing. What is obstructed? - Answer-Lower airway obstruction from
mucus/secretions
Understand the etiology of snoring. What is obstructed? - Answer-Upper airway obstruction from the
tongue usually
What is the most likely cause of snoring? - Answer-Tongue obstructing airway
, How to open patients airway IF they have a cervical injury? - Answer-Jaw-thrust maneuver
OPA indications and contraindications - Answer-INDICATION: unresponsive patients w/o gag reflex,
apnea patient ventilated by BVM.
CONTRAINDICATION:
conscious patients, any patient w/ gag reflex
NPA indications and contraindications - Answer-INDICATION:
(semi/un)conscious patient w/ gag reflex, patients who otherwise don't tolerate an OPA
CONTRAINDICATION:
head/face trauma, nose bleed, history of fractured nasal bone
What to look for when examining respirations? - Answer-- normal rate (12-20 adults)
- regular pattern on inhalation/exhalation
- clear and equal lung sounds bilaterally
- regular, equal chest rise and fall
- adequate volume/depth
Most likely cause in adult airway obstruction? - Answer-Tongue
If you encounter adult patient who is choking (able to speak but coughing) how do you proceed? -
Answer-Encourage the patient to continue coughing, monitor patient. Do not remove object manually.
Best suction catheter for adult patient choking on pureed food? - Answer-Rigid tip catheter
Answers
Preferred suction catheter for suctioning the oropharynx - Answer-rigid tip with a contour
How to measure OPA? - Answer-from corner of mouth to earlobe
Proper sequence for suctioning patient - Answer-1. properly assemble and test unit for >300mmHG
2. Turn head to side (unless there is a cervical injury). Open mouth using cross-finger technique or
tongue-jaw lift, insert tip to measured depth.
3. Apply suction in circular motion as you withdraw
4. Alt. ventilation for 2 minutes and suction for 15/10/5 sec. based on age
Understand etiology of wheezing. What is obstructed? - Answer-Lower airway obstruction from
mucus/secretions
Understand the etiology of snoring. What is obstructed? - Answer-Upper airway obstruction from the
tongue usually
What is the most likely cause of snoring? - Answer-Tongue obstructing airway
, How to open patients airway IF they have a cervical injury? - Answer-Jaw-thrust maneuver
OPA indications and contraindications - Answer-INDICATION: unresponsive patients w/o gag reflex,
apnea patient ventilated by BVM.
CONTRAINDICATION:
conscious patients, any patient w/ gag reflex
NPA indications and contraindications - Answer-INDICATION:
(semi/un)conscious patient w/ gag reflex, patients who otherwise don't tolerate an OPA
CONTRAINDICATION:
head/face trauma, nose bleed, history of fractured nasal bone
What to look for when examining respirations? - Answer-- normal rate (12-20 adults)
- regular pattern on inhalation/exhalation
- clear and equal lung sounds bilaterally
- regular, equal chest rise and fall
- adequate volume/depth
Most likely cause in adult airway obstruction? - Answer-Tongue
If you encounter adult patient who is choking (able to speak but coughing) how do you proceed? -
Answer-Encourage the patient to continue coughing, monitor patient. Do not remove object manually.
Best suction catheter for adult patient choking on pureed food? - Answer-Rigid tip catheter
