FANZCA Airway Management and Techniques

Question 1

Which laryngoscope blade design provides the best view when the epiglottis is long and floppy and cannot be lifted indirectly?

Accepted Answer

Miller blade

Answer

The Miller (straight) blade directly lifts the epiglottis, making it superior when the epiglottis is long, floppy, or omega-shaped and cannot be lifted indirectly via the vallecula as with a Macintosh blade.

Question 2

According to the Difficult Airway Society (DAS) guidelines adopted in Australian and New Zealand anaesthetic practice, what is the maximum number of intubation attempts recommended before declaring a failed intubation?

Accepted Answer

3 attempts

Answer

DAS guidelines recommend no more than 3 laryngoscopy attempts (including one by a senior anaesthetist) before declaring failed intubation and moving to the next step in the algorithm.

Question 3

When performing a rapid sequence induction (RSI), cricoid pressure (Sellick's maneuver) is applied. What is the recommended force to apply once the patient loses consciousness?

Accepted Answer

30 Newtons

Answer

The recommended force for cricoid pressure once the patient loses consciousness is 30 Newtons (approximately 3 kg), which provides adequate compression of the oesophagus without distorting the airway.

Question 4

A patient with a Cormack-Lehane Grade III laryngoscopic view is best described as having which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Only the epiglottis visible

Answer

A Cormack-Lehane Grade III view shows only the epiglottis with no part of the glottis visible, making intubation significantly more difficult and often requiring adjuncts such as a bougie.

Question 5

Which of the following is the MOST reliable method for confirming correct endotracheal tube placement in the FANZCA and ANZCA framework?

Accepted Answer

Continuous waveform capnography

Answer

Continuous waveform capnography with sustained end-tidal CO2 over multiple breaths is the gold standard and most reliable method for confirming endotracheal tube placement, as recommended by ANZCA guidelines.

(FANZCA) Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Practice Test

(FANZCA) Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Practice Test

FANZCA Airway Management and Techniques