1 Advanced Airway Assessment and Preparation Free Online FlashCards

What two broad dimensions should an airway assessment evaluate?

Assess both anatomical difficulty and physiological risk; a patient may have favorable airway anatomy but little reserve for apnea or airway intervention.

Which history can reveal potential airway difficulty?

Ask about prior difficult mask ventilation or intubation, airway surgery or radiation, head-and-neck tumors, trauma, restricted neck movement, obstructive sleep apnea, and relevant medical conditions.

Which risks belong in a difficult-airway decision?

Consider difficult laryngoscopy or intubation, difficult face-mask or supraglottic ventilation, aspiration, and rapid desaturation—not only the expected laryngoscopic view.

What does Plan A specify in an airway strategy?

Plan A is the primary method of securing the airway, selected for the patient and the operator’s competence.

What is the purpose of Plan B?

Plan B is how to restore oxygenation if the first attempt fails, such as with optimized mask ventilation or a supraglottic airway.

When is Plan C used?

Plan C is the next oxygenation strategy if ventilation remains inadequate, including calling additional expertise and following the local difficult-airway algorithm.

What situation is Plan D intended for?

Plan D is emergency front-of-neck access for a cannot-intubate, cannot-oxygenate (CICO) situation; it is for trained clinicians following the applicable protocol.

What should the team do when repeated attempts are not improving conditions?

Limit attempts that are not improving conditions. Reassess oxygenation, positioning, device, operator, and technique.

When might an awake intubation pathway be considered?

Consider an awake intubation pathway when difficult intubation is anticipated alongside concern about difficult ventilation, aspiration, or rapid desaturation. The choice depends on the clinical situation and available expertise.

What should the team agree on before airway intervention?

Assign roles such as airway operator, assistant, medication clinician, and monitor/timekeeper; identify who will call for help and share the primary and rescue plans.

What does an airway equipment check need to establish?

Check that equipment works and supplies fit together. Have oxygen, suction, ventilation and airway devices, monitors, and planned rescue equipment ready; waveform capnography should be available for ventilation monitoring and confirmation after intubation.

How can positioning support airway access and oxygen reserve?

For many adults, elevating the head and torso into a semi-Fowler position is useful. In patients with obesity, ramping may help align the ear with the sternal notch; adapt positioning to anatomy and any spinal precautions.