Airway management of an elective surgical patient.

Airway management is a skill that all healthcare professionals need to learn. This skill is used in two specific areas. First, in emergency situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest. Second, and the subject of this article, the postanaesthetic patient. This article explores not only the anatomy of the respiratory system but the different techniques and methods employed to manage a patient's airway. Airway management can be divided into three distinct phases. The first phase deals with the management of the airway while the patient undergoes an operation; this is managed by the anaesthetist. While the second phase deals with the patient's airway in the immediate recovery period, it usually occurs in a recover room and is managed by a recovery nurse. The third phase is when the patient returns to the ward, and for the first 24-48 hours after a general anaesthetic. It is only by recognizing the signs and symptoms of respiratory distress and initiating effective treatment that serious consequences can be avoided.