Practice Test Geeks(ABA) American Board of Anesthesiology Practice Test
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Airway Management Flashcards

7 cards from real ABA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which anatomical landmark is most commonly used as the primary reference point during direct laryngoscopy to expose the vocal cords?

    Answer: Epiglottis

    The epiglottis is the primary landmark during direct laryngoscopy; the blade is placed in the vallecula (curved blade) or beneath it (straight blade) to lift and expose the vocal cords.

  2. The Mallampati classification is used primarily to predict which of the following?

    Answer: Potential difficulty of laryngoscopy based on oropharyngeal visualization

    The Mallampati score assesses oropharyngeal space by visualizing structures (uvula, pillars, soft palate) and correlates with difficult laryngoscopy risk.

  3. A Cormack-Lehane Grade III laryngoscopic view reveals which of the following?

    Answer: Only the epiglottis is visible

    Grade III reveals only the epiglottis with no part of the glottis visible, indicating a difficult intubation that typically requires adjuncts such as a bougie or video laryngoscopy.

  4. What is the recommended depth of insertion for an orotracheal tube in an average adult male, measured at the lips?

    Answer: 21–23 cm

    An average adult male orotracheal tube is secured at 21–23 cm at the lips, placing the cuff approximately 2–4 cm below the vocal cords to avoid endobronchial or subglottic placement.

  5. The LEMON mnemonic for difficult airway assessment includes all of the following EXCEPT:

    Answer: Neck circumference

    LEMON stands for Look, Evaluate (3-3-2 rule), Mallampati, Obstruction, and Neck mobility — neck circumference is not one of the five components.

  6. What is the recommended endotracheal tube cuff pressure range to minimize tracheal mucosal ischemia while maintaining an adequate seal?

    Answer: 20–30 cmH2O

    Cuff pressures of 20–30 cmH2O provide adequate sealing while avoiding tracheal mucosal ischemia, which begins when pressure exceeds capillary perfusion pressure (~30 cmH2O).

  7. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to nasotracheal intubation?

    Answer: Basilar skull fracture

    Basilar skull fracture is an absolute contraindication because the nasal tube may traverse through the fracture site and enter the cranial vault.