By 1)securing the airway you provide an open pathway for air to move into
and out of the body. However, a patent airway 2) does not guarantee that the
air will move in adequate volumes to support life. Recall that breathing
accomplishes two essential functions: It brings oxygen into the body and it
eliminates carbon dioxide. Although your body will tolerate the buildup of
carbon dioxide longer that it will tolerate a lack of oxygen both of these
functions are absolutely essential to support life. 3) Proper airway management
must always be paired with the assessment of adequate breathing to ensure
that both of these critical functions are occurring. If you determine that the
patient’s breathing is not meeting the body’s needs, then you must take
immediate corrective action. [A thorough primary assessment focuses on a
rapid evaluation of both airway and breathing and identifies immediate
life threats associated with the airway and the respiratory system.]
(Emergency Care, 197)
Main Idea: A thorough assessment focuses on a rapid evaluation of both
airway & breathing & identifies immediate life threats from the airway
& respiratory system
Secure airway to create open air
pathway
no guarantee adequate vol.
of air
Breathing has 2
essential functions
brings O2 into body
eliminates CO2
Air is moved into and out of the chest in a process called ventilation.
To move air, the
diaphragm and the muscles of the chest are contracted and relaxed to change the pressure
within the chest cavity. This changing pressure inflates and deflates the lungs. Inhalation
is an active process. The muscles of the chest including the intercostal muscles between
the ribs expands at the same time the diaphragm contracts in a downward motion. These
movements increase the size of the chest cavity. This negative pressure pulls air in through
the glottis opening and inflates the lungs. Conversely, exhalation is a passive process. That
is it occurs when the previously discussed muscles relax. As the size of the chest decreases
it creates a positive pressure and pushes air out. Because it is passive, exhalation typically
takes slightly longer than inhalation.