ATLS 10.2 MODULE 2
Airway & Ventilatory Management
1. The quickest killer of injured patients is:
The inadequate delivery of oxygenated blood to the brain and
other vital structures. For example, airway injury, airway
occlusion, respiratory arrest, respiratory failure.
2. Maxillofacial trauma that can threaten the airway:
Hemorrhage into the airway
Edema of critical airway structures
Dislodged teeth
Increased secretions
Loss of airway structural integrity and tone
3. Neck trauma that can threaten the airway:
Hematomas
Disruption of the soft tissue structures
Hemorrhage into the tracheobronchial tree
4. Laryngeal fractures may present with:
Hoarseness
Subcutaneous emphysema
Palpable fracture with crepitus
, 5. Immediate management of laryngeal fractures and
airway compromise:
Attempt flexible ETT intubation
Attempt emergency tracheostomy (cricothyroidotomy)
Operative management for definitive repair
6. Laryngeal fracture is confirmed with what test?
Computed tomography (CT)
7. Airway obstruction objective signs:
Agitation (hypoxia)
Obtundation (hypercarbia)
Cyanosis (nail beds, circumoral skin)
Increased work of breathing (retractions, accessory muscles)
Pulse oximetry
Abnormal breath sounds (snoring, gurgling, stridor, hoarseness)
8. Risk factors for ventilation compromise:
Direct trauma to the chest
Rib fractures
Intracranial injuries
Cervical spine injury
Airway & Ventilatory Management
1. The quickest killer of injured patients is:
The inadequate delivery of oxygenated blood to the brain and
other vital structures. For example, airway injury, airway
occlusion, respiratory arrest, respiratory failure.
2. Maxillofacial trauma that can threaten the airway:
Hemorrhage into the airway
Edema of critical airway structures
Dislodged teeth
Increased secretions
Loss of airway structural integrity and tone
3. Neck trauma that can threaten the airway:
Hematomas
Disruption of the soft tissue structures
Hemorrhage into the tracheobronchial tree
4. Laryngeal fractures may present with:
Hoarseness
Subcutaneous emphysema
Palpable fracture with crepitus
, 5. Immediate management of laryngeal fractures and
airway compromise:
Attempt flexible ETT intubation
Attempt emergency tracheostomy (cricothyroidotomy)
Operative management for definitive repair
6. Laryngeal fracture is confirmed with what test?
Computed tomography (CT)
7. Airway obstruction objective signs:
Agitation (hypoxia)
Obtundation (hypercarbia)
Cyanosis (nail beds, circumoral skin)
Increased work of breathing (retractions, accessory muscles)
Pulse oximetry
Abnormal breath sounds (snoring, gurgling, stridor, hoarseness)
8. Risk factors for ventilation compromise:
Direct trauma to the chest
Rib fractures
Intracranial injuries
Cervical spine injury
