Airway assessment typically follows the ABCs of emergency care—Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Here are the steps to perform a thorough airway assessment:
Visual Inspection: Look for signs of airway obstruction such as stridor, cyanosis, or visible foreign objects. Assess the patient's chest for symmetrical movement. Auscultation: Listen for breath sounds using a stethoscope. Absence or diminished breath sounds can indicate an airway problem. Palpation: Feel for any deformities or foreign bodies in the airway. Check for tracheal deviation, which may indicate a serious underlying condition. Speech: Ask the patient to speak. Difficulty speaking or changes in voice quality can be a sign of partial airway obstruction.
