How to measure a airway ensure it is correct size for the patient?

Measuring an Airway

1. Select the appropriate airway size. The size of the airway is determined by the patient's age and weight. For adults, the following guidelines can be used:

* Oral airways: The length of the oral airway should be approximately equal to the distance from the patient's incisors to the angle of the mandible.

* Nasopharyngeal airways: The length of the nasopharyngeal airway should be approximately equal to the distance from the patient's nares to the lobe of the ear.

* Endotracheal tubes: The size of the endotracheal tube is determined by the patient's age and weight. A general rule of thumb is to use a tube size that is one-third the patient's age, but this may vary depending on the patient's individual anatomy.

2. Insert the airway. The airway should be inserted gently into the patient's mouth or nose. If the airway is too small, it will be difficult to insert and may cause the patient to gag. If the airway is too large, it may cause the patient's airway to be obstructed.

3. Check the airway placement. Once the airway is in place, it is important to check that the tip of the airway is above the patient's vocal cords. This can be done by auscultating for breath sounds over the patient's chest. If there are no breath sounds, the airway may be too deep and needs to be pulled back slightly.

4. Secure the airway. Once the airway is in place and its position has been checked, it is important to secure it to the patient's face. This can be done using tape, a strap, or a neck brace.

5. Monitor the airway. Once the airway is in place, it is important to monitor the patient's airway continuously for any signs of obstruction. This can be done by observing the patient's chest and listening for breath sounds. If the patient experiences any difficulty breathing, the airway may need to be removed or replaced.