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

1. Airway assessment scales often include parameters like respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and chest auscultation findings.
2. A common tool used for airway assessment is the Mallampati score, which classifies the visibility of the oropharyngeal structures.
3. Nutrition can impact airway patency; malnutrition can weaken respiratory muscles while obesity can increase the risk of sleep apnea.
4. Proper nutrition supports immune function, reducing the risk of infections that could compromise airway integrity.
5. 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?

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.