Patient Monitoring & Airway Management Flashcards

Which device is most commonly used to monitor oxygen saturation during anesthesia?

Answer: Pulse oximeter

A pulse oximeter is the most commonly used non-invasive device for monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO2) during anesthesia. It works by measuring the differential absorption of light at two wavelengths by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in pulsatile arterial blood. This provides a continuous, real-time assessment of a patient's arterial oxygenation, crucial for detecting hypoxemia.

Which parameter is monitored using capnography?

Answer: End-tidal carbon dioxide

Capnography is the monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration or partial pressure in respiratory gases. Specifically, it measures end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), which is the maximum concentration of CO2 at the end of an exhaled breath. This parameter provides vital information about ventilation, pulmonary perfusion, and metabolic activity, making it an essential monitoring tool during anesthesia.

What is the primary purpose of ECG monitoring during anesthesia?

Answer: Detect cardiac irregularities

Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring during anesthesia is primarily used to continuously assess the electrical activity of the heart. Its main purpose is to detect any cardiac irregularities, such as arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, or conduction disturbances, which are critical for patient safety. Early detection allows for timely intervention, guiding anesthetic management and preventing adverse cardiac events.

Which airway device is typically used for short procedures under general anesthesia?

Answer: Laryngeal mask airway

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a supraglottic airway device commonly used for short procedures under general anesthesia. It provides a less invasive alternative to an endotracheal tube, creating a seal around the larynx to facilitate ventilation without entering the trachea. This makes it suitable for cases where intubation is not strictly necessary, offering a balance of airway control and ease of use.

What is the first step in basic airway management?

Answer: Perform head-tilt, chin-lift

The first step in basic airway management for an unconscious patient is to open the airway, and the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is the safest and most effective initial technique. This maneuver displaces the tongue from the posterior pharynx, which is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient. Establishing a patent airway is fundamental before any other interventions.

Which vital sign is monitored using a non-invasive cuff?

Answer: Blood pressure

A non-invasive cuff, typically placed on the arm, is used to measure blood pressure. This device inflates to temporarily occlude arterial blood flow and then slowly deflates, allowing for the measurement of systolic and diastolic pressures. This method, often using oscillometric or auscultatory techniques, provides intermittent but crucial monitoring of a patient's hemodynamic status.

What is the main advantage of continuous waveform capnography?

Answer: Confirms endotracheal placement

Continuous waveform capnography is considered the gold standard for confirming correct endotracheal tube (ETT) placement. The presence of a consistent, square-wave capnogram indicates that the ETT is correctly positioned in the trachea and ventilating the lungs, as it detects exhaled carbon dioxide. This immediate and reliable confirmation is vital to prevent esophageal intubation, a potentially fatal complication.

Which complication can arise from poor airway management?

Answer: Hypoxia

Poor airway management can lead to inadequate ventilation and oxygenation, resulting in hypoxia, which is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the body's tissues. Hypoxia is a critical and potentially life-threatening complication during anesthesia, as sustained oxygen deprivation can cause severe organ damage, particularly to the brain and heart. Effective airway management is paramount to prevent this.

Which airway adjunct is used to prevent tongue obstruction?

Answer: Oropharyngeal airway

An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is an airway adjunct specifically designed to prevent the tongue from obstructing the posterior pharynx in an unconscious patient. It is inserted into the mouth and extends over the back of the tongue, creating a patent airway path. This helps maintain an open airway, facilitating ventilation and preventing respiratory compromise.