Basic Airway Management for the Professional Nurse.

Area of Science:

• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Respiratory Care
• Emergency Response

Background:

• Registered nurses (RNs) are often the first responders to patients exhibiting signs of respiratory failure on medical-surgical units.
• Prompt recognition and intervention are critical for patient outcomes in respiratory compromise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To equip RNs with the knowledge to identify early signs of respiratory deterioration.
• To provide guidance on essential interventions, including oxygen therapy and basic airway management.
• To outline the necessary equipment and medications for potential intubation.

Main Methods:

• Review of signs and symptoms of respiratory deterioration.
• Discussion of physical assessment techniques for respiratory status.
• Overview of relevant respiratory laboratory studies.
• Explanation of oxygen therapy modalities.
• Description of basic airway management: bag-mask ventilation and airway adjuncts (oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal).
• Outline of equipment and medications for intubation.

Main Results:

• Key indicators of respiratory compromise are detailed.
• Practical steps for initial patient assessment and management are provided.
• Essential components for emergency airway management are outlined.

Conclusions:

• RNs require specific competencies to manage patients with impending respiratory failure.
• Early recognition and timely intervention using described techniques can improve patient care.
• This review serves as a foundational guide for medical-surgical nurses managing respiratory emergencies.