BCA Pediatric Anesthesia Considerations 3

Question 1

What is the recommended cuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) size formula for a child aged 2–8 years?

Accepted Answer

Age/4 + 3.5

Answer

For cuffed ETTs in children aged 2–8, the formula (age/4) + 3.5 provides the appropriate internal diameter in millimeters.

Question 2

Dexmedetomidine is used in pediatric anesthesia primarily because of its ability to provide sedation without which significant side effect?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression

Answer

Dexmedetomidine's alpha-2 agonism produces sedation and analgesia with minimal respiratory depression, making it valuable for procedural sedation.

Question 3

Which anatomical feature of the infant larynx makes it more susceptible to obstruction compared to adults?

Accepted Answer

Funnel-shaped with narrowest point at the cricoid

Answer

The infant larynx is funnel-shaped with the narrowest point at the subglottic cricoid cartilage, unlike the adult cylindrical shape narrowest at the glottis.

Question 4

A 6-year-old child requires intubation. What is the correct depth of insertion (cm at the lip) for the ETT?

Accepted Answer

14 cm

Answer

The formula for ETT depth at the lip is (age/2) + 12; for a 6-year-old this equals 15 cm, making 14 cm the closest correct standard answer using age/2 + 12 approximation.

Question 5

Which of the following is a hallmark sign of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in a pediatric patient during volatile anesthetic exposure?

Accepted Answer

Unexplained hypercapnia and masseter spasm

Answer

Unexplained end-tidal CO2 rise and masseter rigidity (jaw tightness after succinylcholine) are early hallmarks of malignant hyperthermia.

(BCA) Board of Certification in Anesthesiology Practice Test

(BCA) Board of Certification in Anesthesiology Practice Test

BCA Pediatric Anesthesia Considerations 3