Through personal research, evaluate the needs to intubate a patient and the variables that make the process difficult, and the proper assessment tactics that would indicate failure to secure the airway.

RES 321: Module 1–Essay

When evaluating a patient for emergency airway management, the first assessment should be of the patency and adequacy of the airway.

Four Key Signs of Upper Airway Obstruction

Muffled or “Hot Potato” voice (as though the patient is speaking with a mouthful of hot food)
Inability to swallow secretions, either because of pain or obstruction
Stridor
Dyspnea
The first two signs do not necessarily herald imminent total upper airway obstruction;
stridor, if new or progressive, usually does, and dyspnea also is a compelling symptom.

Through personal research, evaluate the needs to intubate a patient and the variables that make the process difficult, and the proper assessment tactics that would indicate failure to secure the airway.