artificial airways
Last reviewed 01/2018
Types of airway include:
- oropharyngeal
- nasopharyngeal
- endotracheal
- laryngeal mask airway
- cricothyroidotomy
- tracheostomy
Choice of airway depends on various factors:
- patient with signs of airway obstruction but relatively conscious, try a nasopharangeal airway
- patient with signs of airway obstruction and impaired level of consciousness, try an oropharangeal airway
- unconscious and unable to protect their airway, needs a definitive airway ie. intubation and insertion of endotracheal tube