Airway Management and Intubation Flashcards

What is a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) used for in neonatal resuscitation?

Answer: Alternative airway when intubation fails or is not feasible in ≥34-week infants

An LMA is an acceptable alternative when intubation is not possible and may be used in infants ≥34 weeks gestation and ≥2 kg.

What complication is suggested if the ETT fogs with each breath but the infant does not improve?

Answer: Right mainstem intubation causing unilateral ventilation

Fogging indicates gas is passing through the tube, but absent improvement with decreased left breath sounds suggests right mainstem placement.

After intubation, which clinical sign most reliably confirms bilateral equal lung ventilation?

Answer: Equal bilateral breath sounds in the axillae

Auscultation in both axillae (rather than over the chest wall) minimizes transmitted sounds and confirms equal bilateral ventilation.

What is the most common cause of unsuccessful intubation during neonatal resuscitation?

Answer: Incorrect positioning or inadequate visualization of the glottis

Poor visualization due to incorrect head position, inadequate blade placement, or insufficient suctioning is the most common intubation failure cause.

Which structure should the ETT pass through to confirm tracheal placement during direct laryngoscopy?

Answer: Vocal cords (glottis)

The ETT must be directed through the vocal cords (glottis) into the trachea; the glottis appears as a 'V'-shaped opening.

What is the role of CO₂ detectors in the presence of extremely poor cardiac output?

Answer: They may give a false negative (no color change) even with correct tracheal placement

In severe bradycardia or cardiac arrest, little CO₂ may be exhaled, causing a false-negative reading even with correct tracheal tube position.