Airway Assessment by AI Flashcards
What is the anatomy of the airway?
Includes the mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and associated structures
The airway anatomy is crucial for understanding intubation and airway management.
What are the components of the mouth in airway anatomy?
Roof, floor, tongue, mandible, teeth
The mouth plays a vital role in airway assessment and management.
What is the length of the trachea in adults?
10 to 15 cm
The trachea extends from the inferior cricoid membrane to the carina.
What is the primary function of the larynx?
Phonation and airway protection
The larynx connects the pharynx to the trachea.
What are the unpaired laryngeal cartilages?
Thyroid, cricoid, epiglottis
The thyroid is the largest cartilage.
What are the paired laryngeal cartilages?
Arytenoid, corniculate, cuneiform
The arytenoid cartilages are where the vocal cords attach.
Where are the true vocal cords located?
They attach to the arytenoids and the thyroid notch on thyroid cartilage
The true vocal cords are essential for sound production.
What is a significant predictor of difficult intubation?
Past difficult intubation
Other factors include excessive sore throat and recent onset of hoarseness.
What does the STOP BANG questionnaire assess?
Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea
It includes questions about snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, and gender.
What is the Mallampati classification used for?
To assess the visibility of oropharyngeal structures
It ranges from Class I (most visible) to Class IV (only hard palate visible).
What does the ‘C’ in the ‘LEMONS’ intubation assessment stand for?
Criteria associated with difficult airway
This includes evaluating the patient’s face and neck for abnormalities.
What does the ‘B’ in the ‘BOOTS’ predictor for difficult BMV stand for?
Beard
The ‘BOOTS’ acronym includes other factors like Obesity, Older age, and Toothless.
What is the significance of the sniffing position?
Aligns the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axis
This positioning aids in intubation.
What is the preferred inter-incisor distance for easy intubation?
> 6 cm (3 finger breadths)
Adequate mouth opening is crucial for successful intubation.
What is the purpose of laryngeal manipulation (BURP)?
To optimize the view of the glottis during intubation
It involves backward, upward, and rightward pressure on the larynx.
What is the preferred thyromental distance for easy intubation?
> 6.5 cm (3 finger breadths)
This measurement helps assess airway anatomy.
What does the term ‘difficult airway’ refer to?
Challenges in intubation or ventilation
Factors include anatomical variations and patient history.
What is the role of nebulized lidocaine in airway management?
To provide local anesthesia before intubation
It helps minimize discomfort during the procedure.
What are the criteria associated with difficult mask ventilation?
Obesity, Beard, Edentulous, Snorer, Elderly, Mallampati score 3 or 4
These factors can complicate ventilation during anesthesia.
What is the significance of the ‘3-3-2 rule’ in airway assessment?
Assessing mouth opening, mandible, and thyroid notch distance
Each measurement helps predict intubation difficulty.
What is the expected course of a patient with difficult airway features?
Potential need for awake intubation or alternative airway strategies
Early decision-making is vital in these cases.
What is the primary use of propofol in rapid sequence intubation?
Sedation and induction agent
Propofol is used for its rapid onset and short duration.
What are the two main paralytic agents mentioned?
Rocuronium and Succinylcholine
Rocuronium is preferred in certain clinical situations.
What condition can predispose patients to malignant hyperthermia?
Existing muscular dystrophies or inherited myopathies
Malignant hyperthermia is a serious reaction to certain anesthetics.
