A respiratory therapist notices that a semiconscious patient is ...

[big1devin]

A respiratory therapist notices that a semiconscious patient is not moving enough air and has a problem coughing up mucus. An attempt to insert an oropharyngeal airway is unsuccessful be-cause the patient is struggling.
 
  Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
  a. Perform a tracheostomy.
  b. Insert a Berman airway.
  c. Use a nasopharyngeal airway.
  d. Sedate the patient, and insert the oropha-ryngeal airway.

Question 2

Which of the following is true of a Guedel airway?
 
  a. There is no protected central channel.
  b. It consists of a hollow central channel.
  c. Its length is measured in centimeters.
  d. It is identical to a Berman airway.

[Liddy]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
If the patient struggles to expel an oropharyngeal airway, attempts at insertion should be aban-doned and an improved head position or a nasopharyngeal airway should be used to open the upper airway. The nasopharyngeal airway will also facilitate nasotracheal suction to evacuate ex-cess mucus in the airways. A tracheostomy is not appropriate in this situation because it is too invasive. A Berman airway is another type of oropharyngeal airway that this kind of patient will not be able to tolerate. Sedation of the patient is not appropriate at this time.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The Guedel airway has a central channel, is measured in millimeters, and differs from the Berman airway in its cross-sectional profile.