DM1 Pt4-1 Endotracheal Intubation Flashcards
How can anaesthesia be maintained after IV induction?
Anaesthesia can be maintained with either an injectable or inhalant agent. Endotracheal intubation and oxygen supplementation are advised.
Why is endotracheal intubation recommended for most cats?
It ensures airway protection, prevents airway obstruction, and allows for oxygen supplementation and positive pressure ventilation (IPPV).
What are the risks of not using an endotracheal tube for cats?
Without intubation, there is a higher risk of airway obstruction and aspiration, especially in brachycephalic cats or long procedures.
Why is local anaesthetic spray used during cat intubation?
The cat larynx is sensitive to spasm, so desensitisation with local anaesthetic (e.g., lidocaine) is mandatory to avoid laryngeal spasm.
What type of laryngoscope is recommended for cat intubation?
A laryngoscope with a short blade is recommended to reduce the risk of laryngeal trauma during intubation.
What are the advantages of using uncuffed endotracheal tubes?
Uncuffed tubes allow for a larger diameter tube to be placed, reducing the risk of tracheal damage, but they do not provide a tracheal seal.
What are the risks of using uncuffed endotracheal tubes?
Uncuffed tubes make it difficult to perform IPPV and do not prevent aspiration, making them less ideal for medium or large cats.
What are the advantages of using cuffed endotracheal tubes?
Cuffed tubes allow a good tracheal seal, enabling IPPV and reducing aspiration risk, but overinflation can cause tracheal damage.
How should cuffed tubes be inflated in cats?
Inflate the cuff slowly until the leak around the tube during IPPV stops, avoiding overinflation which can cause tracheal damage.
Why should the endotracheal tube not be too long?
A long tube can intubate one lung (usually the right bronchus) or create excessive dead space, leading to inadequate ventilation.
How can tracheal tears be avoided when moving intubated cats?
Disconnect the cat from the breathing circuit before repositioning to prevent rotation of the tube, which could cause tracheal tears.
How is the correct length of an endotracheal tube measured?
The tube should extend from the incisors to the thoracic inlet (the point of the scapula), not beyond the tracheal bifurcation (5th rib).
