Airway assessment scale
Definition
An airway assessment scale is a tool used to evaluate the patency and function of a patient's airway. It helps determine the risk of airway obstruction and guides clinical decision-making, especially in patients with compromised pulmonary health.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Airway assessment scales often include parameters like respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and chest auscultation findings.
- A common tool used for airway assessment is the Mallampati score, which classifies the visibility of the oropharyngeal structures.
- Nutrition can impact airway patency; malnutrition can weaken respiratory muscles while obesity can increase the risk of sleep apnea.
- Proper nutrition supports immune function, reducing the risk of infections that could compromise airway integrity.
- Regular monitoring using an airway assessment scale is crucial for patients with chronic pulmonary conditions to prevent acute exacerbations.
Review Questions
- What parameters are typically included in an airway assessment scale?
- How does nutrition influence the results of an airway assessment scale?
- Why is regular monitoring using an airway assessment scale important for patients with chronic pulmonary conditions?
"Airway assessment scale" appears in:
Related terms
Mallampati Score: A classification system used to predict difficulty in intubation based on visibility of oropharyngeal structures.
Oxygen Saturation: A measure of how much oxygen the blood is carrying as a percentage of the maximum it could carry.
Respiratory Rate: The number of breaths taken per minute, an important parameter in assessing respiratory function.
