Airway Management Flashcards

A patient in respiratory failure has a SpO2 of 78% despite BVM ventilation. After intubation, you confirm tube placement with capnography showing a flat waveform. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Esophageal intubation

A flat or absent capnography waveform after intubation is the most reliable indicator of esophageal intubation.

Which of the following is the preferred initial airway maneuver in an unresponsive trauma patient with a suspected cervical spine injury?

Answer: Jaw-thrust maneuver

The jaw-thrust maneuver opens the airway without extending the neck, making it the preferred technique in suspected C-spine injury.

A 4-year-old patient requires bag-valve-mask ventilation. Which BVM size is most appropriate?

Answer: Child 500 mL

A pediatric (child) BVM of approximately 500 mL is appropriate for children to avoid over-ventilation.

When performing needle decompression for a tension pneumothorax, where should the needle be inserted?

Answer: 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line

The 2nd intercostal space at the midclavicular line is the standard site for needle thoracostomy in tension pneumothorax.

A patient is found apneic with dentures present. What is the best action regarding the dentures during BVM ventilation?

Answer: Leave well-fitting dentures in place to maintain mask seal

Well-fitting dentures help maintain facial contour and improve mask seal during BVM ventilation; remove them only if they become dislodged.

Which finding on post-intubation assessment indicates right mainstem bronchus intubation?

Answer: Breath sounds present only on the right

Unilateral (right-sided only) breath sounds after intubation indicate the tube has advanced into the right mainstem bronchus.

What is the maximum number of seconds an intubation attempt should last before pausing to re-oxygenate the patient?

Answer: 30 seconds

Intubation attempts should be limited to 30 seconds, after which the patient must be re-oxygenated with BVM ventilation.