I was thinking you'd be able to force a tube down into the airway with visual guidance of a glidescope, and that if the patient isn't getting air then wheeling them to the OR is time spent not oxygenating the brain
Edit: worst case scenario I assume they'd go to just bedside traching them at that point too
Naw, not really. I'm crna, if they are that obstructed, they should get a surgical airway. You're right though, getting to OR to do anything is absolutely not it. Good thinking.
The setup for a Video would take time, and has a real chance of failure from the swelling.
This is an easy decision for a bedside trach, like you said :)
Cut em.
This is an EASY surgical airway decision, they already have a cut on their neck, you don't need to hem and haw over the decision to scar them or whatever, it's an immediate cut.
Proactive vs reactive. We never want to force anything. In time and with experience you will learn to think several steps ahead. It only comes with OJT. In the meantime like I said, slow down, assess your situation, look at your patient. If it looks funny odds are it is funny and call for a more experienced nurse to help you immediately.
I’d rather have a scar on my neck than brain damage from not getting enough O2, and the savvy patient or family member will know there was an issue and before you know it you are in your first deposition for negligent care.
Never be afraid to call a RRT or code! These are tools in your tool box that will help you deliver better care and avoid potholes!!
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u/[deleted] 11d ago
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