ABA Airway Management

Question 1

Which anatomical landmark is most commonly used as the primary reference point during direct laryngoscopy to expose the vocal cords?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Answer

The epiglottis is the primary landmark during direct laryngoscopy; the blade is placed in the vallecula (curved blade) or beneath it (straight blade) to lift and expose the vocal cords.

Question 2

The Mallampati classification is used primarily to predict which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Potential difficulty of laryngoscopy based on oropharyngeal visualization

Answer

The Mallampati score assesses oropharyngeal space by visualizing structures (uvula, pillars, soft palate) and correlates with difficult laryngoscopy risk.

Question 3

A Cormack-Lehane Grade III laryngoscopic view reveals which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Only the epiglottis is visible

Answer

Grade III reveals only the epiglottis with no part of the glottis visible, indicating a difficult intubation that typically requires adjuncts such as a bougie or video laryngoscopy.

Question 4

What is the recommended depth of insertion for an orotracheal tube in an average adult male, measured at the lips?

Accepted Answer

21–23 cm

Answer

An average adult male orotracheal tube is secured at 21–23 cm at the lips, placing the cuff approximately 2–4 cm below the vocal cords to avoid endobronchial or subglottic placement.

Question 5

The LEMON mnemonic for difficult airway assessment includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Neck circumference

Answer

LEMON stands for Look, Evaluate (3-3-2 rule), Mallampati, Obstruction, and Neck mobility — neck circumference is not one of the five components.

(ABA) American Board of Anesthesiology Practice Test

(ABA) American Board of Anesthesiology Practice Test

ABA Airway Management