Airway Management Flashcards

According to the ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm, after a failed intubation attempt in a 'cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate' (CICO) scenario, what is the definitive rescue technique?

Answer: Emergency front-of-neck airway (cricothyrotomy)

In a CICO emergency, emergency front-of-neck airway access (surgical or needle cricothyrotomy) is the definitive rescue step to restore oxygenation and prevent death.

The Mallampati classification is used preoperatively to predict what?

Answer: Difficulty of laryngoscopy and intubation

The Mallampati score assesses oropharyngeal structures visible with mouth open and tongue protruded; higher scores (III–IV) correlate with restricted laryngoscopic view and difficult intubation.

Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is indicated in patients at risk for pulmonary aspiration and includes preoxygenation followed by what drug sequence?

Answer: Induction agent + succinylcholine (or rocuronium), no mask ventilation

Classic RSI uses an induction agent with succinylcholine (or high-dose rocuronium for a modified RSI) without positive-pressure mask ventilation to minimize aspiration risk before cuff inflation.

The epiglottis is lifted indirectly when the laryngoscope blade tip is placed in the vallecula during which technique?

Answer: Curved (Macintosh) blade laryngoscopy

The Macintosh curved blade is placed in the vallecula (between the base of tongue and epiglottis); advancement stretches the hyoepiglottic ligament, indirectly elevating the epiglottis.

Which finding on laryngoscopy corresponds to a Cormack-Lehane Grade III view?

Answer: Only epiglottis visible, no glottic structures seen

A Grade III Cormack-Lehane view means only the epiglottis can be seen, with no part of the glottis visible, indicating a difficult intubation.

Awake fiberoptic intubation is the preferred technique in which type of patient?

Answer: Known or anticipated difficult airway with full stomach risk

Awake fiberoptic intubation preserves spontaneous respiration and airway reflexes, making it ideal for patients with known difficult airways where loss of airway control under anesthesia would be dangerous.