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A patient with a neurological impairment may be unable to control their breathing, and the epiglottis, which is responsible for blocking off your airway when you swallow, may not be functioning correctly because of the impairment. This leaves a patient vulnerable to having food and liquids go down their trachea instead of their esophagus.
What else can I help you with?
Why is intubation necessary?
Intubation is necessary when a patient is unable to maintain a clear airway or adequate gas exchange on their own. It ensures proper oxygenation and ventilation by providing a secure airway for mechanical ventilation or to protect the airway from aspiration in certain medical conditions or during surgeries.
How can a head injury compromise the maintenance of a patient's airway?
Airway is compromised because of trauma as it can affect brain, oropharynx, neck, and trachea, pulmonary system resulting in airway obstruction or respiratory problems. Aspiration of blood and gastric contents contribute to compromised airway. Also patients with low level of consciousness are at risk of not being able to protect their airway.
What airway precaution must be taken after activated charcoal?
After administering activated charcoal, it is crucial to monitor the airway for potential aspiration, especially in patients who are unconscious or have altered mental status. Keeping the patient in an upright position can help reduce the risk of aspiration. Additionally, if the patient is at risk of vomiting, consider placing them in the recovery position to facilitate drainage and protect their airway. Continuous assessment of the patient's respiratory status is essential.
Can you use a nasopharyngeal airway in a patient with an endotracheal tube?
No, a nasopharyngeal airway should not be used in a patient with an endotracheal tube in place. The endotracheal tube already secures the airway and provides ventilation, making the use of a nasopharyngeal airway unnecessary and potentially harmful. Introducing a nasopharyngeal airway could cause trauma to the airway or displace the endotracheal tube.
How do tongue can cause airway obstruction in unconscious patient?
In an unconscious patient, the tongue can fall back and obstruct the airway due to loss of muscle tone and reflexes. This occurs especially when the patient is in a supine position, allowing the tongue to block the oropharynx and impede airflow. Additionally, the lack of protective reflexes increases the risk of aspiration, further complicating airway management. Proper positioning or airway adjuncts, like an airway adjunct or intubation, may be necessary to secure the airway.
How would you use suction on an airway?
Suction is used for airway management when the patient can't manage his or her own secretions.
Why do you have to prevent injury in seizure patient?
A patient prone to seizures cannot protect themselves. A seizure causes falls. Once the seizure is underway, the patient needs (primarily) the head and airway protected. Seizure patients may also inhale saliva or vomit, which can then impair breathing.
Why should medical control be consulted before inserting a nasal airway?
Because even though it is recommended for an unconscious patient, if the patient has sustained to severe of a trauma the nasal airway could damage the patient more than help them.
Should you maintain an open airway for an fracture?
If there is no other chest or abdominal injury, and the patient is awake and conscious there is no need to worry about the airway
What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious supine patient?
The most common cause of airway obstruction in any patient - supine or not - is the tongue. This is why the first maneuver that should be performed on a patient not breathing is the head-tilt/chin-lift or the jaw thrust. This is to help clear the tongue from the airway and may allow the person to breathe again.
You need to open the airway because?
The patient can breath better when it is open
What is the common cause of upper airway obstruction in a trauma patient?
TONGUe
