Airway Management Flashcards
7 cards from real TNCC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Airway Management flashcards as text
A burn patient with singed nasal hairs, hoarse voice, and carbonaceous sputum should receive airway management:
Answer: Early, before progressive edema makes intubation impossible
Signs of inhalation injury predict rapidly progressive airway edema; early intubation before complete obstruction is essential.
In pediatric trauma patients, the narrowest portion of the airway is located at the:
Answer: Subglottic region at the cricoid cartilage
In children, the subglottic region at the cricoid cartilage is the narrowest airway point, unlike adults where the glottis is narrowest.
Which intervention should PRECEDE endotracheal intubation in the trauma patient to maximize oxygen reserve during the apneic intubation period?
Answer: Pre-oxygenation with 100% O2 for 3-5 minutes
Pre-oxygenation with 100% oxygen for 3-5 minutes denitrogenates the lungs, extending the safe apneic period during intubation.
A trauma nurse notes the ETT depth marker is at 24 cm at the patient's teeth. For an average adult, this depth is:
Answer: Appropriate — within the acceptable 21-25 cm range
For average adults, ETT placement at the teeth/gums is typically 21-23 cm for women and 23-25 cm for men; 24 cm falls within acceptable range for most patients.
Succinylcholine is CONTRAINDICATED in which trauma scenario?
Answer: Patient with crush injury and hyperkalemia 72 hours post-trauma
Succinylcholine causes potassium efflux from muscle cells; in patients with crush injury, burns, or prolonged immobilization, pre-existing hyperkalemia can worsen to lethal levels.
The primary purpose of applying a cervical collar in the trauma patient prior to airway management is to:
Answer: Limit cervical spine movement and reduce secondary injury risk
A cervical collar limits cervical spine movement, reducing the risk of secondary spinal cord injury during airway manipulation in the setting of suspected c-spine trauma.
When assessing a trauma patient's airway, which finding MOST urgently requires immediate intervention?
Answer: Stridor at rest with accessory muscle use
Stridor at rest combined with accessory muscle use signals near-complete airway obstruction requiring immediate definitive management.