Master Airway Management Essential vocabulary made simple 2026

Define the procedure of creating a direct opening in the trachea for ventilation ️️ Tracheostomy What is the maneuver used to open the airway in an unconscious adult with no spinal injury ️️ Head tilt–chin lift Which maneuver lifts the jaw without tilting the head to protect the cervical spine ️️ Jaw thrust Name the airway adjunct inserted into the mouth to prevent tongue obstruction ️️ Oropharyngeal airway Which airway device is inserted through the nose in semi-conscious patients ️️ Nasopharyngeal airway Define the upper airway structure that produces a high-pitched inspiratory sound when obstructed ️️ Larynx Which term describes the total blockage of airflow requiring immediate intervention ️️ Complete airway obstruction Name the breathing pattern often seen with partial airway obstruction ️️ Stridor Define the position that aligns oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes for intubation ️️ Sniffing position Which device sits above the vocal cords and allows ventilation without tracheal insertion ️️ Laryngeal mask airway What is the primary indicator that ventilation is effective ️️ Visible chest rise Which oxygen delivery device provides the highest non-invasive oxygen concentration ️️ Non-rebreather mask Define the process of removing secretions or foreign material from the airway ️️ Suctioning Which airway intervention is considered invasive ️️ Endotracheal intubation What is the emergency maneuver for relieving choking in a conscious adult ️️ Heimlich maneuver Define the device that seals the trachea to prevent aspiration during ventilation ️️ Cuffed endotracheal tube Which term refers to bluish discoloration of skin or lips due to inadequate oxygen ️️ Cyanosis Define the adjunct that maintains airway patency above the glottis ️️ Laryngeal mask airway Which maneuver lifts the tongue and soft tissues forward to open the airway ️️ Chin lift Name the rapid swelling of the airway often seen in children with infection ️️ Epiglottitis Which airway sign indicates low oxygenation despite intervention ️️ Hypoxia Define the device used for long-term ventilation bypassing the upper airway ️️ Tracheostomy tube Which airway emergency is caused by an allergic reaction resulting in swelling ️️ Anaphylaxis Which device is used to maintain airway patency in unconscious patients during CPR ️️ Oropharyngeal airway Define the position recommended for obese or pregnant patients during airway management ️️ Head-elevated sniffing position Which breathing abnormality signals partial upper airway obstruction ️️ Noisy labored breathing Define the procedure of inserting a tube through the vocal cords into the trachea ️️ Endotracheal intubation Which device prevents tongue fallback in unconscious patients ️️ Oropharyngeal airway Which emergency airway sound indicates severe obstruction with no airflow ️️ Silent chest Which maneuver is used to open the airway in unconscious trauma patients while minimizing neck movement ️️ Jaw thrust Define the airway device tolerated in semi-conscious patients with an intact gag reflex ️️ Nasopharyngeal airway Which term describes the collapse of the upper airway during sleep ️️ Obstructive sleep apnea Which airway sign indicates successful ventilation after an intervention ️️ Chest rise with each breath Define the technique that uses “look, listen, feel” for airway assessment ️️ Breathing evaluation Which adjunct is inserted blindly above the glottis to maintain emergency ventilation ️️ Laryngeal mask airway Which maneuver is used in infants with choking ️️ Back blows with chest thrusts Which airway device provides positive pressure ventilation without intubation ️️ Bag- valve-mask Which emergency airway condition requires immediate recognition and action ️️ Complete airway obstruction Define the high-pitched inspiratory noise from airway swelling ️️ Stridor Which airway maneuver is contraindicated in patients with cervical spine injury ️️ Head tilt Which oxygen device delivers controlled oxygen concentration for patients with respiratory compromise ️️ Venturi mask Which airway device is used only in unconscious patients to prevent tongue obstruction ️️ Oropharyngeal airway Which airway sign indicates effective oxygenation and perfusion ️️ Pink skin and normal breathing Which surgical procedure creates a direct airway opening for prolonged ventilation ️️ Tracheostomy Which term refers to partial blockage of the airway allowing some airflow ️️ Partial airway obstruction Which airway adjunct is used with a bag-valve-mask for ventilation ️️ Oropharyngeal airway Which sign indicates inadequate ventilation despite attempted airway intervention ️️ No chest rise Which airway maneuver helps lift the jaw and tongue forward to maintain airway ️️ Chin lift Define the device used to confirm tube placement by measuring exhaled CO2 ️️ Capnography Which emergency airway intervention bypasses the upper airway entirely ️️ Tracheostomy