basic airway assessment

Question 1

list of airway evaluation

Answer 1

1. ) dentition
2. ) 3-3-2 assessment
3. ) mallampati classification
4. ) neck mobility- extension >90 degrees

Question 2

dentition

Answer 2

crowns 
false teeth 
bridges 
braces 
poor dentition- loose teeth cracks 
overbite/ underbite

Question 3

what is the 3-3-2 evaluation ?

Answer 3

mouth opening 3fings
mandibular space (3 finger)
glottic position in relation to base of tongue (2 fingers )

Question 4

mallampati classification

Answer 4

only for patients that are awake alert and are able to follow commands
class 1- easy clear view
class 4- difficult, only palate is visible

Question 5

neck mobility

Answer 5

if a pt have a no neck mobility they automatically become a difficult airway.

• c-spine precautions
• fused c- spine (collar)

Question 6

mask ventilation

Answer 6

essential to patient survival

minimize ventilation pressure- reduced gastric insufflation

Question 7

extra difficulties for endotracheal intubation

Answer 7

• facial trauma- broken bones
• head/ neck deformities
• neck masses
• pharyngeal disease (swelling)
• tracheal deviations
• laryngeal diseases