MAINTAINING PATENT AIRWAY

BYMR. M. Sivanandha Reddy

MAINTAINING PATENT AIRWAY

• Airway is called patent whenever there is an open pathway between a patient’s lungs and the outside world.

• An airway obstruction is a blockage in the airway. It may partially or totally prevent air from getting into your lungs.

Causes Of Airway Obstruction1. Foreign Body Inhalations2. Allergic/ Anaphylactic Reactions3. Respiratory Tract Infections- Diphtheria,

Tracheitis, Epiglottitis4. Trauma- Burns, Steam Inhalations,

Penetrating Injuries5. Altered Consciousness- Head Injuries,

Alcohol& Drug Overdose, Cardio Respiratory Arrest.

How The Airway Is Maintained Patent?• Coughing is the main mechanism for clearing the

airway. • The cough may be ineffective in disease states such

as pain from surgical incisions/trauma, respiratory muscle fatigue, or neuromuscular weakness.

• Other mechanisms that exist in the lower bronchioles and alveoli to maintain the airway include the muco-ciliary system & macrophages

Signs Of Airway Obstruction:• Abnormal breath sounds • Changes in respiratory rate or depth• Cough• Hypoxemia• Cyanosis• Dyspnea• Chest wheezing • Tachycardia

Interventions To Maintain Patent Airway

• Assist patient in performing deep breathing and coughing exercises.

• Instruct patient in the following:Optimal positioning (sitting position)Use of pillow or hand splints when coughingUse of abdominal muscles for more forceful coughUse of Incentive Spirometry Importance of ambulation and frequent position

changes

….Interventions To Maintain Patent Airway

• If cough is ineffective use Suctioning as needed to remove sputum and mucus plugs.

• Encourage adequate intake of fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Administer medications (e.g., antibiotics, mucolytic agents, bronchodilators, expectorants) as ordered

• Consult respiratory therapist for chest physiotherapy

………Interventions To Maintain Patent Airway

• Instruct patient how to use prescribed inhalers• Provide Steam Inhalation to clear the

secretions• If the obstruction is not resolved insert

artificial airway.

Artificial airways• Most common invasive air ways are a) Oropharyngeal airwayb) Naso pharyngeal airwayc) Tracheal intubation.

• Surgical management:• Tracheotomy- is a surgically created opening

from the skin of the neck down to the trachea.

OPA

NPA

ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE

TRACHEOSTOMY

EVERYTHING IS EASY IF U R CRAZYNOTHING IS EASY IF U R LAZY