CAA Patient and Airway Management — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Mallampati classification system?
- To assess lung function
- To evaluate the ease of intubation (Correct answer)
- To diagnose airway infections
- To monitor sedation levels
Correct answer: To evaluate the ease of intubation
The Mallampati classification system is used to predict the difficulty of endotracheal intubation by assessing the visibility of oropharyngeal structures.
Question 2: Which of the following is the most reliable method for confirming correct endotracheal tube placement?
- Auscultation of bilateral breath sounds
- Capnography (Correct answer)
- Observation of chest rise
- Pulse oximetry readings
Correct answer: Capnography
Capnography, which measures exhaled CO2, is the most reliable method for confirming correct endotracheal tube placement.
Question 3: What is the primary indication for performing rapid sequence intubation (RSI)?
- For routine elective surgery
- To minimize aspiration risk in emergency airway management (Correct answer)
- To replace non-invasive ventilation
- To improve oxygen saturation in all patients
Correct answer: To minimize aspiration risk in emergency airway management
RSI is performed to secure the airway quickly in patients at high risk of aspiration, such as those with a full stomach or trauma.
Question 4: Which device is most effective for maintaining an unconscious but breathing patient’s airway?
- Endotracheal tube
- Oropharyngeal airway (OPA) (Correct answer)
- Nasal cannula
- Venturi mask
Correct answer: Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) helps prevent airway obstruction by keeping the tongue from blocking the airway in unconscious patients.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of preoxygenation before intubation?
- To reduce carbon dioxide levels
- To increase oxygen reserves and prevent hypoxia (Correct answer)
- To improve medication absorption
- To induce rapid sedation
Correct answer: To increase oxygen reserves and prevent hypoxia
Preoxygenation increases oxygen reserves, delaying desaturation during intubation and reducing hypoxia risk.
Question 6: Which maneuver improves visualization of the vocal cords during laryngoscopy?
- Jaw thrust maneuver
- BURP maneuver (Correct answer)
- Chin lift maneuver
- Modified Valsalva maneuver
Correct answer: BURP maneuver
The BURP (Backward, Upward, Rightward Pressure) maneuver enhances visualization of the vocal cords, making intubation easier.
CAA Patient and Airway Management
What is the primary purpose of the Mallampati classification system?