What Is Airway Management in Nursing

Improper airway management may directly threaten patients' lives due to respiratory failure. In many clinical settings, especially in emergency care, surgery, anesthesia, and intensive care units, nurses are responsible for managing patients' airways. Bever Medical will share complete information about airway management in nursing including types, nursing considerations, etc. It is very suitable for beginners to know and master the basics of airway management.

What is Airway Management?

Airway management refers to the process of ensuring that a patient's airway remains clear and effectively supports their breathing. It is aimed at preventing airway obstruction, maintaining oxygen flow to the lungs, and preventing carbon dioxide buildup, thus ensuring normal physiological function. 

Airway management is fundamental to emergency medicine and is indispensable in life-threatening situations, as improper methods can lead to hypoxia or even be life-threatening. Moreover, must prioritize patient safety and comfort and adjust patients' approach based on their needs.

When Need Airway Management?

If the patient has the following signs, it means take action on airway management:

• Mild airway obstruction: Such as choking (foreign object blocking the airway).

• Severe cases: Respiratory failure, loss of consciousness, airway injury, or airway inflammation.

• Emergencies: Such as complete airway blockage or trauma (e.g., penetrating injuries).

The most common causes of airway obstruction are tongue collapse, foreign objects, or an excess of secretions (like mucus or saliva).

 

Types of Airway Management

Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)

It is a curved plastic piece placed in the mouth to prevent the patient's tongue from sliding back into the throat and blocking the airway. Generally, it is used for Patients who are unconscious or semi-conscious, because awake patients may vomit or cough due to the irritation.

Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)

This is a soft tube inserted through the nose into the back of the throat, ensuring smooth airflow. Compared to OPA, NPA is less irritating to the patient. It is a better choice for patients whose mouth is tightly closed or when conscious but require breathing assistance.

 

Endotracheal Tube (ETA)

This is a plastic tube inserted through the mouth into the trachea, directly connecting to a ventilator to assist with mechanical ventilation. It is mainly used for critically ill patients or those undergoing surgery to ensure sufficient oxygen delivery to the lungs.

Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure where a small hole is made in the trachea, and a tube is inserted. It is used for patients requiring long-term respiratory support, especially those needing prolonged mechanical ventilation. Compared to endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy is more suitable for long-term use and has a lower risk of discomfort and complications.

 

Steps in Airway Management

The basic steps of airway management can be broken down into the following stages: 

Assessing the Airway

Initially assess the patient's breathing status to determine whether there is difficulty breathing, apnea, or airway obstruction. In intensive care settings, devices such as pulse oximeters and ventilators can be used to monitor oxygen levels and breathing.

 

Clearing the Airway

Remove secretions, foreign objects, or blood clots from the mouth, throat, or airway to prevent obstruction. When the patient is unable to cough up secretions on their own, should use suction or suction catheters to clear the airway, especially Remove secretions, foreign objects, or blood clots from the mouth, throat, or airway to prevent obstruction. When the patient is unable to cough up secretions on their own, should use suction or suction catheters to clear the airway.

Maintaining Airway Patency

Based on the patient's condition, choose the appropriate airway management equipment, such as a nasopharyngeal tube, oropharyngeal airway, or endotracheal intubation, to ensure airway patency.

For unconscious or semi-conscious patients, using airway management tools is necessary. When using intubation devices, ensure proper placement to prevent accidental displacement.

Observation and Monitoring

Airway management is an ongoing process, not a one-time procedure. Nurses need to regularly check the function of the equipment and monitor the patient’s oxygen saturation and breathing rate.

In some cases, mechanical ventilation or oxygen devices may be required for further support. 

Documentation and Communication

During the nursing process, nurses must carefully document the airway management steps and the patient's responses.

Regular communication with other medical team members is essential to ensure effective airway management.


 

PVC Nasopharyngeal Airway

 

Nursing Considerations in Airway Management

Equipment Selection and Intubation Skills

Nurses must choose the appropriate airway management equipment based on the patient's specific condition. Different devices have different indications and requirements, so nurses must be thoroughly familiar with these devices. Proper technique during intubation is crucial, and nurses must ensure correct placement to avoid errors such as misplacement or displacement.

Avoiding Airway Injury

Improper techniques may lead to airway injuries, such as trauma to the oropharyngeal region or tracheal damage during intubation. Careful and gentle handling of airway devices is necessary to avoid excessive force.

Infection Prevention

Maintaining device cleanliness and adhering to sterile techniques are critical to preventing infections. Long-term use of airway devices increases the risk of bacterial infections, so nurses should regularly clean equipment and monitor for signs of infection. They should also observe the patient's temperature, breathing, and secretions to identify any infection early.

Psychological Care

If patients need to use a ventilator or an endotracheal tube for the long term, they may feel discomfort, anxiety, or fear. Nurses should talk with patients to ease anxiety and provide emotional support. 

Regular Monitoring and Assessment

It is important to do ongoing monitoring and assessment. Regularly checking oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood gas results can ensure the effectiveness of airway management. If oxygen saturation decreases or other bad signs appear, nurses should promptly take action.

Takeaway

Airway management is a crucial task in nursing, it can influence patient safety. Nurses should master airway management techniques and devices to ensure airway patency and maintain respiratory function. Bever Medical provides high-quality airway management products, offering rich options for nurses during procedures. If you are looking for them, you've come to the right place, these medical-grade products keep patients safe.