Overview
Introduction
An airway can be open yet unsafe. A patient may have a clear passage but be unable to cough, swallow, or maintain the reflexes that prevent aspiration; another may be moving air...
An airway can be open yet unsafe. A patient may have a clear passage but be unable to cough, swallow, or maintain the reflexes that prevent aspiration; another may be moving air but failing to ventilate and retain carbon dioxide. Airway assessment therefore asks three linked questions: Is air able to pass? Can the patient protect the airway? Are breathing, oxygenation, and circulation keeping pace with the work required? The answers can change within minutes. Assess using ABCDE, intervene while assessing, and summon help before obstruction, fatigue, or reduced consciousness removes the patient’s remaining reserve.