Airway Management Flashcards

A patient with anaphylaxis is rapidly developing stridor and hoarseness. Which airway intervention is most immediately indicated?

Answer: Orotracheal intubation

Rapidly progressing angioedema from anaphylaxis may cause complete obstruction, so early orotracheal intubation is preferred before the airway closes.

Which medication used in rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent?

Answer: Succinylcholine

Succinylcholine is the only depolarizing NMBA used clinically, providing rapid onset and short duration ideal for RSI.

During orotracheal intubation, the Sellick maneuver (cricoid pressure) is applied primarily to:

Answer: Reduce passive regurgitation of gastric contents

Cricoid pressure occludes the esophagus to reduce the risk of passive regurgitation and aspiration during intubation.

A patient has a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in place. Which of the following is a known limitation of the LMA?

Answer: It does not protect against aspiration

The LMA sits above the glottis and does not create a tracheal seal, so it does not reliably prevent aspiration.

What is the correct ETT size for an average adult female patient?

Answer: 7.0–7.5 mm ID

For adult females, an ETT with an internal diameter of 7.0–7.5 mm is typically appropriate.

A patient is intubated and being transported. ETCO2 suddenly drops from 38 mmHg to near zero. What should you assess first?

Answer: Assess for tube dislodgement or obstruction

A sudden drop in ETCO2 to near zero during transport most likely indicates tube dislodgement or complete obstruction.

Which of the following correctly describes the Mallampati classification?

Answer: A visual assessment predicting difficult intubation based on oral anatomy

The Mallampati classification scores visibility of the soft palate, fauces, uvula, and pillars to predict difficult intubation.