Airway Management & Intubation Flashcards

The preferred paediatric uncuffed ETT size formula is:

Answer: (Age in years / 4) + 4 for internal diameter in millimetres

The standard formula (age/4 + 4) estimates uncuffed ETT size for children; cuffed tubes are now acceptable in pre-hospital settings with lower sizing formula (age/4 + 3.5), using cuff pressures ≤20-25 cmH2O.

Intubation in the setting of cardiac arrest differs from RSI because:

Answer: No induction or paralytic agents are required — the patient is unconscious and apnoeic

In cardiac arrest, the patient is unconscious and has no muscle tone; drugs are not required for intubation and their administration wastes time — the paralytic and induction agent requirement of RSI does not apply.

The 'two-handed jaw-thrust' BVM technique refers to:

Answer: One rescuer uses both hands on the mask while a second rescuer squeezes the bag — the most effective BVM ventilation technique

The two-person BVM technique (two hands on the mask for seal plus jaw thrust, second person squeezing the bag) is significantly more effective than one-person technique and generates better tidal volumes and mask seal.

When using a supraglottic airway in a setting where the patient needs to be moved frequently (e.g., during CPR and transport), the main risk is:

Answer: Displacement requiring repositioning or replacement during critical interventions

SGAs are susceptible to displacement during patient movement, CPR, and transport; this is the primary limitation compared to ETT, requiring continuous reassessment of ventilation after every patient movement.

Airway management in a patient with suspected epiglottitis should involve:

Answer: Avoiding agitating the patient, positioning for comfort, immediate transport, and having surgical airway equipment ready

Epiglottitis can progress to complete airway obstruction; the patient should be kept calm (avoid distress that increases oxygen consumption), positioned as comfortable (often sitting), transported urgently, with cricothyrotomy equipment ready.

During pre-hospital paediatric intubation, the appropriate blade size for a 5-year-old is:

Answer: Size 2 Macintosh or Miller blade

A size 2 laryngoscope blade (Macintosh curved or Miller straight) is appropriate for school-age children (approximately 2-10 years); blade selection follows the child's size rather than exact age.