Question

You arrive on-scene of a 56-year-old female patient in cardiac arrest. What is the

first airway you should administer?
O Pharyngeal-Tracheal Lumen airway
O Combitube
O Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)
O ropharyngeal airway

Answer 1

The first airway to administer to a 56-year-old female patient in cardiac arrest, assuming there is no obstruction, is the oropharyngeal airway (OPA). This airway device is suitable for unconscious patients without a gag reflex and is used to keep the airway open during crisis. Chest compressions are a critical initial step before airway management in cardiac arrest.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you arrive on-scene of a 56-year-old female patient in cardiac arrest, the first airway you should administer is the oropharyngeal airway (OPA), assuming no signs of a foreign body airway obstruction. In situations where an advanced airway is needed, such as cardiac arrest, an OPA can maintain an open airway by preventing the tongue from covering the epiglottis, which could restrict air movement. However, it is only suitable for unconscious patients without a gag reflex, as it can induce vomiting if the patient is semi-conscious. During cardiac arrest, immediate high-quality chest compressions and early defibrillation are the main priorities, followed by airway management once chest compressions have started, according to current CPR guidelines. Intubation or other advanced airway solutions may be considered later as the resuscitation progresses or when sufficient personnel with appropriate skills are available.