Airway Management & Ventilation Flashcards

What is the primary sign of gastric inflation during bag-mask ventilation?

Answer: Increasing abdominal distension

Gastric inflation is identified by progressive abdominal distension and can lead to regurgitation and aspiration.

What is the recommended pre-oxygenation approach before attempting endotracheal intubation in ACLS?

Answer: Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min for 3 minutes

A non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min for at least 3 minutes maximizes oxygen reserve by denitrogenating the lungs before intubation.

What is the Sellick maneuver and its purpose during endotracheal intubation?

Answer: Backward pressure on the cricoid to occlude the esophagus and reduce aspiration risk

The Sellick maneuver applies backward pressure on the cricoid cartilage, occluding the esophagus to potentially reduce passive regurgitation during intubation.

For a patient with a mature tracheostomy in cardiac arrest, what is the first step in airway management?

Answer: Attempt ventilation directly through the tracheostomy stoma

Ventilation through a mature tracheostomy stoma provides the most direct access to the trachea and should be the first approach.

During CPR, a sudden and sustained rise in ETCO2 from 15 to 40 mmHg most likely indicates:

Answer: Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)

A sudden sustained rise in ETCO2 is a reliable indicator of ROSC, as restored cardiac output delivers significantly more CO2 to the lungs.

What is the maximum recommended duration of a single endotracheal intubation attempt before resuming ventilation?

Answer: 10 seconds

Each intubation attempt should be limited to 10 seconds to minimize hypoxia; if unsuccessful, resume oxygenation before the next attempt.

Which device can provide a definitive airway for ventilation without requiring direct visualization of the vocal cords?

Answer: King LT supraglottic airway

The King LT and similar supraglottic airways can be inserted blindly and allow effective ventilation without direct laryngoscopy.