Airway Management Flashcards

Right mainstem bronchus intubation is most commonly detected by:

Answer: Absent left-sided breath sounds

Intubation of the right mainstem bronchus results in absent or decreased breath sounds over the left lung because only the right lung is being ventilated.

Which medication is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used in RSI?

Answer: Succinylcholine

Succinylcholine is the only depolarizing neuromuscular blocker in clinical use; it causes rapid-onset fasciculations followed by paralysis.

A tracheostomy tube is indicated for all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Short-term airway management during a brief surgery

Tracheostomy is reserved for situations requiring a prolonged or secure airway; an endotracheal tube is preferred for short-term surgical airway needs.

Nasopharyngeal airways are contraindicated in patients with:

Answer: Basilar skull fracture

Basilar skull fractures are a contraindication for nasopharyngeal airways because the tube may inadvertently enter the cranial vault through the fracture.

The Mallampati classification is used to predict:

Answer: Difficulty of endotracheal intubation

The Mallampati scale assesses oropharyngeal anatomy by viewing visible structures with the mouth open, helping predict difficult intubation.

Video laryngoscopy compared to direct laryngoscopy typically provides:

Answer: Improved glottic view, especially in difficult airways

Video laryngoscopy offers an improved view of the glottis by providing an indirect, magnified image, particularly benefiting patients with difficult airway anatomy.