Airway Unit Exam
Questions & Answers
Preferred suction catheter for suctioning the oropharynx - ANSWERSrigid tip with a contour
How to measure OPA? - ANSWERSfrom corner of mouth to earlobe
Proper sequence for suctioning patient - ANSWERS1. 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? - ANSWERSLower airway obstruction
from mucus/secretions
Understand the etiology of snoring. What is obstructed? - ANSWERSUpper airway obstruction
from the tongue usually
What is the most likely cause of snoring? - ANSWERSTongue obstructing airway
How to open patients airway IF they have a cervical injury? - ANSWERSJaw-thrust maneuver
OPA indications and contraindications - ANSWERSINDICATION: unresponsive patients w/o gag
reflex, apnea patient ventilated by BVM.
, CONTRAINDICATION:
conscious patients, any patient w/ gag reflex
NPA indications and contraindications - ANSWERSINDICATION:
(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? - ANSWERS- 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? - ANSWERSTongue
If you encounter adult patient who is choking (able to speak but coughing) how do you
proceed? - ANSWERSEncourage the patient to continue coughing, monitor patient. Do not
remove object manually.
Best suction catheter for adult patient choking on pureed food? - ANSWERSRigid tip catheter
Signs of upper airway obstruction? How will patient be positioned? - ANSWERSUniversal
choking sign, tripod position, semi-fowler position. Patient will be upright and leaning over.
What is the time limit for suctioning an airway before reattempting oxygenation? - ANSWERS15s
adults
Questions & Answers
Preferred suction catheter for suctioning the oropharynx - ANSWERSrigid tip with a contour
How to measure OPA? - ANSWERSfrom corner of mouth to earlobe
Proper sequence for suctioning patient - ANSWERS1. 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? - ANSWERSLower airway obstruction
from mucus/secretions
Understand the etiology of snoring. What is obstructed? - ANSWERSUpper airway obstruction
from the tongue usually
What is the most likely cause of snoring? - ANSWERSTongue obstructing airway
How to open patients airway IF they have a cervical injury? - ANSWERSJaw-thrust maneuver
OPA indications and contraindications - ANSWERSINDICATION: unresponsive patients w/o gag
reflex, apnea patient ventilated by BVM.
, CONTRAINDICATION:
conscious patients, any patient w/ gag reflex
NPA indications and contraindications - ANSWERSINDICATION:
(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? - ANSWERS- 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? - ANSWERSTongue
If you encounter adult patient who is choking (able to speak but coughing) how do you
proceed? - ANSWERSEncourage the patient to continue coughing, monitor patient. Do not
remove object manually.
Best suction catheter for adult patient choking on pureed food? - ANSWERSRigid tip catheter
Signs of upper airway obstruction? How will patient be positioned? - ANSWERSUniversal
choking sign, tripod position, semi-fowler position. Patient will be upright and leaning over.
What is the time limit for suctioning an airway before reattempting oxygenation? - ANSWERS15s
adults
