ACLS Review

14 ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) Review ...
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Assorted sizes of endotracheal tubes are available for patient use. If limited equipment is available, what size
of ET tube could be used in an emergency?
7.5 mm fits any adult in an emergency.
Describe the components of an endotracheal tube and their functions.
15-mm adapter—allows for attachment of bag-valve-mask device.
Pilot balloon—verifies the cuff is inflated.
Cuff—holds approximately 10 cc of air to provide a seal.
What is the maximum age of a patient in which an uncuffed ET tube is used?
Eight years.
What is the average distance from the teeth to the vocal cords?
15 cm.
What is the average distance from the teeth to the sternal notch?
20 cm.
What is the average distance from the teeth to the carina?
25 cm.
What device can be used to help shape the ET tube?
A stylet.
How far should a stylet be inserted into the ET tube?
A stylet should be inserted to, but not beyond, the Murphy’s eye.
Identify several indications for intubation.
The inability to ventilate an apneic patient; patient with no gag reflex; the inability of the patient to protect his or
her own airway, e.g., cardiac arrest, unresponsiveness.
Elena, working the Combat Zone, is responding to a report of “an unconscious person who fell from a
rooftop.” What should she keep in mind when intubating this patient?
If trauma is suspected, the patient must be intubated with the head and neck in a neutral position using in-line
stabilization.
Antonio is preparing to intubate a cardiac arrest patient. What is the proper landmark he should use for
insertion of a curved blade laryngoscope?
The curved blade should be inserted into the vallecula and lifted upward.
Sam is preparing to intubate an overdose patient. What is the proper landmark he should use for insertion of
a straight blade laryngoscope?
The straight blade is used to directly lift the epiglottis, then insert the ET tube.