Airway and Breathing

• What is the purpose of the 'Airway and breathing' workbook notes?

  To gain an understanding of airway and breathing to support learning in skills sessions
• What are the two main components of the respiratory system?

  The upper airway and the lower airway
• What structures are included in the upper airway?

  • Mouth
  • Nose
  • Nasal cavity
  • Pharynx (throat)
  • Larynx (voice box)
• What structures are included in the lower airway?

  • Trachea (windpipe)
  • Bronchial tree
  • Heart
  • Lungs
• What is the division point of the trachea called?

  The bronchi
• How does the bronchial tree develop from the trachea?

  The bronchial tree begins as the bronchi, divides into bronchioles, and then into alveoli
• How many lobes does the left lung have?

  Two lobes
• How many lobes does the right lung have?

  Three lobes
• What happens to the lungs during inhalation and exhalation?

  Both the left and right lung expand and contract together
• What are the normal entry and exit ports for the airway?

  The mouth and nose
• What gases are exchanged in the alveoli?

  Oxygen and carbon dioxide
• What are the differences in airway and breathing between children and adults?

  • Children have a large head and short neck
  • Proportionally large tongue in children
  • Larynx is higher in children (C3-C4) compared to adults (C4-C5)
  • Narrow nasal passages; infants are obligatory nose breathers
  • Funnel-shaped and narrow airways in children
  • Infants rely more on diaphragm for breathing
  • Periodic breathing is normal in children up to 6 months
  • Children have a faster respiratory rate than adults
• What is the normal respiratory rate for a newborn?

  30 – 60 breaths per minute
• What is the normal respiratory rate for an infant (1 – 12 months)?

  30 – 60 breaths per minute
• What is the normal respiratory rate for toddlers (1 – 2 years)?

  24 – 40 breaths per minute
• What is the normal respiratory rate for preschoolers (3 – 5 years)?

  22 – 34 breaths per minute
• What is the normal respiratory rate for school-age children (6 – 12 years)?

  18 – 30 breaths per minute
• What is the normal respiratory rate for adolescents (13 – 17 years)?

  12 – 16 breaths per minute
• What is the normal respiratory rate for adults?

  12 – 18 breaths per minute
• What is a tracheotomy?

  An opening created at the front of the neck to insert a tube into the trachea
• How does air enter the lungs with a tracheotomy?

  Air enters through the tracheotomy tube into the trachea
• What is the process for assessing the airway?

  • Look for foreign objects in the airway
  • Never put fingers in a patient's mouth
  • Use suction for liquid or vomit, but do not suction beyond visibility
  • Use the Head tilt and chin lift maneuver to open the airway
  • If needed, use the jaw thrust method
• What are the steps in a breathing assessment?

  1. Look for bilateral chest movements and breathing patterns
  2. Check skin color for signs of hypoxia
  3. Listen using a stethoscope for air entry/exit
  4. Feel for symmetrical rise and fall of the chest
  5. Count the respiratory rate for one minute
• What indicates a lack of oxygen during a breathing assessment?

  A blueish color of the skin and lips
• What is abnormal breathing often referred to as?

  Increased work of breathing or respiratory distress
• What signs may indicate respiratory distress in patients?

  Nasal flaring, sternal retractions, tripoding, use of accessory muscles
• What are the normal respiratory rate ranges for all ages?

  • Newborn: 30 – 60 breaths/min
  • Infant (1 – 12 months): 30 – 60 breaths/min
  • Toddler (1 – 2 years): 24 – 40 breaths/min
  • Preschooler (3 – 5 years): 22 – 34 breaths/min
  • School age (6 – 12 years): 18 – 30 breaths/min
  • Adolescent (13 – 17 years): 12 – 16 breaths/min
  • Adult: 12 – 18 breaths/min