Airway Management & Ventilation Flashcards

What is the most common method used to open the airway of an unresponsive victim without suspected spinal injury?

Answer: Head tilt–chin lift

The head tilt–chin lift maneuver is the primary and most common technique used to open the airway of an unresponsive victim when there is no suspected spinal injury. This method effectively moves the tongue away from the back of the throat, which is a frequent cause of airway obstruction in unconscious individuals. It creates a clear passage for breathing.

Which device is commonly used to maintain a patent airway in an unconscious patient?

Answer: Oropharyngeal airway

An Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) is a device commonly used in unconscious patients to maintain a patent airway by preventing the tongue from obstructing the pharynx. It is inserted into the mouth and extends to the pharynx, holding the tongue forward. OPAs are suitable for patients without a gag reflex.

Which technique is used to provide breaths using a bag-valve-mask (BVM)?

Answer: E-C clamp technique

The E-C clamp technique is the standard method for holding a bag-valve-mask (BVM) to a patient's face while providing breaths. This technique involves using the thumb and index finger to form a 'C' shape around the mask for a tight seal, while the remaining three fingers form an 'E' shape to lift the jaw and maintain an open airway. This ensures effective ventilation and minimizes air leakage.

How often should rescue breaths be delivered during CPR with an advanced airway?

Answer: Every 6 seconds

When an advanced airway (like an endotracheal tube or supraglottic airway) is in place during CPR, rescue breaths should be delivered asynchronously with chest compressions. The recommended rate is one breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute). This allows for continuous chest compressions without interruption, optimizing blood flow while still providing adequate oxygenation.

Which airway device can be used in a conscious or semi-conscious patient?

Answer: Nasopharyngeal airway

A Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) is an airway device that can be used in conscious or semi-conscious patients because it is generally better tolerated than an Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) and does not typically trigger a gag reflex. It is inserted through the nostril into the posterior pharynx, providing an open airway path.

What is the purpose of rescue breathing in CPR?

Answer: Deliver oxygen

The primary purpose of rescue breathing in CPR is to deliver oxygen to the victim's lungs, which then gets circulated to the vital organs by chest compressions. While chest compressions circulate existing oxygen, rescue breaths replenish the oxygen supply. This prevents hypoxia and improves the chances of survival.

Which sign indicates effective ventilation using a BVM?

Answer: Chest rise

The most reliable sign indicating effective ventilation using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) is visible chest rise. Observing the chest rise and fall confirms that air is entering the lungs and not just the stomach or escaping around the mask. This visual cue helps rescuers ensure they are delivering adequate breaths.

What is the most important consideration when using a bag-valve-mask?

Answer: Proper seal on the face

The most important consideration when using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) is achieving and maintaining a proper seal on the patient's face. A tight seal prevents air leakage, ensuring that the delivered breaths effectively enter the lungs and provide adequate ventilation. Without a good seal, breaths will be ineffective, regardless of other factors.

In BLS, what is the appropriate volume of air delivered with each ventilation?

Answer: Just enough to cause chest rise

In BLS, the appropriate volume of air delivered with each ventilation is just enough to cause visible chest rise over about 1 second. Over-ventilation (delivering too much air or too quickly) can lead to gastric inflation, vomiting, and increased intrathoracic pressure, which can impede venous return to the heart and reduce the effectiveness of chest compressions.