Airway Management Flashcards

A patient has a suspected cervical spine injury and requires airway management. Which technique is most appropriate for initial airway opening?

Answer: Jaw thrust maneuver

The jaw thrust maneuver opens the airway without extending the cervical spine, making it the preferred technique when spinal injury is suspected.

When performing endotracheal intubation, the cuff should be inflated to what pressure range?

Answer: 20-30 cmH2O

ETT cuff pressure of 20-30 cmH2O seals the airway without compromising tracheal mucosal perfusion.

Which waveform on capnography indicates correct endotracheal tube placement?

Answer: Square waveform with EtCO2 35-45 mmHg

A square capnography waveform with EtCO2 between 35-45 mmHg confirms tracheal placement with normal ventilation.

A patient develops stridor after a bee sting and has increasing respiratory distress. What is the FIRST priority airway intervention?

Answer: Early endotracheal intubation before swelling worsens

Anaphylaxis-induced angioedema progresses rapidly; early intubation is critical before swelling makes the procedure impossible.

What does a colorimetric CO2 detector turning YELLOW indicate after endotracheal intubation?

Answer: Tracheal intubation confirmed

Yellow color on a colorimetric detector indicates the presence of CO2, confirming tracheal (not esophageal) placement.

Which of the following is a contraindication to nasotracheal intubation?

Answer: Suspected basilar skull fracture

Suspected basilar skull fracture is a contraindication because a nasotracheal tube could be inadvertently placed intracranially.

After intubating a cardiac arrest patient, you note breath sounds only on the right side. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Right mainstem bronchus intubation

Unilateral breath sounds after intubation most commonly indicate right mainstem bronchus intubation due to the anatomy of the carina.