Airway Axes

Question 1

how do you create a straight visual line to vocal cords

Answer 1

Axial allignment

1. laryngeal axis
2. pharyngeal axis
3. oral axis

Question 2

alligning the pharyngeal axis closes what gap?

Answer 2

atlanto-occipital gap

Question 3

What are the basic steps for DL and ETT intubation

Answer 3

1. patient’s positional height
2. axial aliognment
3. laryngoscopy

Question 4

why do we bring the patient’s head to endoscopist’s waist level?

Answer 4

to minimize endoscopist’s :

1. energy consumption
2. maximize endurance
3. maximize depth of field
4. visualize from lips to vocal cords

Question 5

Key points of positioning yourself in relation to the patient for the laryngoscopy

Answer 5

1. stand up straight
2. upper arm relaxed at your chest wall
3. lower arm at horizontal with wrist flexed
4. grasp laryngoscope
5. lift toward ceiling-wall intersection

Question 6

what is the most common error leading to failure to obtain a direct view of the glottis?

Answer 6

failure to correctly use sheets or pillow under patients occiput.

tips: look at patient from side to confirm open thyromental distance.