Signs and Symptoms of Airway Obstruction

•  Secretions in the airway
•  Inspiratory wheezes
•  Expiratory crackles
•  Restlessness
•  Ineffective coughing
•  Decrease level of consciousness
•  Decreased breath sounds
•  Tachypnea
•  Tachycardia or bradycardia
•  Cyanosis
•  Hypertension of hypotension
•  Evaluate SVO2 and SpO2 levels
•  Indicates potential secretions in airway and decreased gas exchange
•  Shallow respirations
•  Result from inadequate gas exchange
•  Peak airway pressure on ventilator
•  Increases potential for secretions in airway indicating increased resistance to gas flow