Question

1-Compare the amount of the tracheal wall with which high volume and low volume come into contact ?

2-Why are low pressure cuffs more desirable than high pressure cuffs?

3-how do you know that the nasal (npa) airway is in the proper position?

4-why should oral (OPA) airways be inserted upside-down, then turned into place?

Answer 1

1)Endotracheal tube with high volume- low pressure have a comparatively large volume and consequently large contact area between cuff and trachea.The cuff can develop folds in this contact area when inflated resulting in an increased risk of aspiration secondary to regurgitation fluid tracking along these fold into the trachea.

In contrast, low volume- high pressure endotracheal tube provide better protection against aspiration because of their much small cuff- trachea contact area and higher inflation pressured used, cuff folds are less likely to develop.

2)Low pressure cuffs are more desirable than high pressure cuffs because low pressure cuffs tubes provides a tracheal seal at low cuff pressure and is claimed to decreased the possibility of tracheal injury.

3)The tip of nasal airway(NPA) lies just above the epiglottis .If the NPA is too long the patient will be uncomfortable with coughing, gagging and regurgitation of liquid or foods through the NPA.If NPA is too short, the upper airway obstruction will not be relieved.

4)Oral airway be inserted upside down than turned into place because it is easy way of insertion and assuring that tongue is secured and their will be no reflex.