APPENDIX B: AIRWAY MANGEMENT NURSING/CONTINUED CARE

Airway-Specific PFC Nursing Guidelines/Assessment/Tasks

- Oral Suction (or in-line/tube suctioning, if placed) as indicated during routine patient assessments
- Nose and mouth moistened Q4H
- Lip Balm applied Q1H
- Teeth brushed Q12H - Prevents pneumonia and other infections.
- Auscultate lungs Q1H. If available, get a second medic to double check and verify if sounds are questionable or cannot otherwise auscultate. Extra diligence should be given to check for diminished breath sounds for suspected pneumothorax, as well as for pulmonary edema, especially if giving aggressive fluids in the case of a massive resuscitation, or replacement fluids. Consider ultrasound evaluation if available.

Naso/Orogastric Tube (NGT/OGT) and Abdominal Care

(as applicable)

- Consider placing an NG/OG tube for prolonged care of intubated/cricothyrotomy patient or those with an SGA in place (if a compatible port is available on the SGA).
- Abdominal palpation AND auscultation Q2H.
- Nutrition ONLY under telemedicine guidance (optional and not indicated in first 72 hours).

*Loos PE, Glassman E, Doerr D, et al. Documentation in prolonged field care. J Spec Oper Med. 2018; 18(1): 126-32.