Artificial Airways Decision Tree

This nursing cheatsheet will help you learn about the decision-making process for artificial airways. The primary step involves assessing the patient’s airway to determine if it’s open and if they’re protecting it. This assessment is crucial in deciding whether an artificial airway is needed. Next, evaluating the patient’s breathing and level of consciousness (LOC) is vital. For instance, a conscious patient requiring an artificial airway can only use a nasopharyngeal airway, while an unconscious patient can use an oropharyngeal airway. If the patient isn’t breathing, an advanced airway, such as an endotracheal tube, is necessary, and immediate assistance from a respiratory therapist and a provider is required​​.