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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Healthcare

Airway Management Knowledge Assessment Quiz

Test Clinical Airway Management Techniques Now

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a quiz on Airway Management Knowledge Assessment

Ready to gauge your airway management expertise? This Airway Management Knowledge Assessment quiz offers 15 targeted questions to challenge clinicians, respiratory therapists and students alike. Joanna Weib invites you to explore specialized scenarios from the PICU Airway and Ventilation Knowledge Test or sharpen critical skills with the Emergency Airway and Head Trauma Knowledge Test. Each question is fully editable - customize and tailor it freely in our editor to fit your training needs. Discover more quizzes and refine your clinical acumen today.

Which cartilage corresponds approximately to the level of the C4 vertebra and serves as a key landmark for airway procedures?
Thyroid cartilage
Cricoid cartilage
Hyoid bone
Epiglottis
Thyroid cartilage is located roughly at the C4 level and forms the 'Adam's apple' visible landmark. It serves as a guide for airway procedures such as cricothyroidotomy approaches. Identifying this cartilage correctly aids in efficient airway placement.
Which maneuver is the first-line technique for opening the airway in a patient without suspected cervical spine injury?
Head tilt-chin lift
Jaw thrust
Neck flexion
Mandibular compression
The head tilt-chin lift maneuver lifts the tongue and epiglottis away from the posterior pharynx to open the airway. It is the first-line technique in patients without suspected cervical spine injury. Proper execution prevents airway obstruction by soft tissues.
Which adjunct is most appropriate for maintaining airway patency in an unconscious patient without a gag reflex?
Oropharyngeal airway
Nasopharyngeal airway
Endotracheal tube
Laryngeal mask airway
An oropharyngeal airway is designed to hold the tongue forward and maintain patency in unconscious patients without a gag reflex. It cannot be tolerated if the gag reflex is present due to risk of vomiting. This adjunct is simple and effective in basic airway management.
Which head position aligns the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes for optimal direct laryngoscopy?
Sniffing position
Supine position
Trendelenburg position
Prone position
The sniffing position aligns the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes to facilitate direct laryngoscopy. It involves flexion of the neck and extension of the head. This alignment improves glottic visualization during intubation.
In the ABC approach to emergency care, what does the 'A' represent as the first priority?
Check airway patency
Assess breathing adequacy
Evaluate circulation
Initiate defibrillation
In the ABC approach, 'A' stands for airway and refers to ensuring patency and protection of the upper airway. This step precedes breathing and circulation to secure oxygen delivery. Early airway assessment prevents hypoxia-related complications.
Which Cormack-Lehane grade describes a view where only the epiglottis is seen and no part of the glottic opening is visible?
Grade I
Grade II
Grade III
Grade IV
Cormack-Lehane grade III is characterized by visualization of only the epiglottis without any view of the glottic opening. Grades I and II allow partial or full glottic view. Recognizing this grade guides the need for advanced airway techniques.
What confirmation method provides the most reliable evidence of correct endotracheal tube placement?
Continuous capnography waveform with end-tidal CO2
Observation of chest wall movement only
Visualization of mist in the tube
Absence of gastric sounds on auscultation
Continuous capnography with return of end-tidal CO2 in a square waveform confirms correct tracheal placement of the endotracheal tube. Auscultation and mist in the tube are less reliable and can be misleading. Capnography offers real-time and objective confirmation.
Which laryngoscope blade is curved and designed to be placed in the vallecula during adult intubation?
Macintosh blade
Miller blade
Wisconsin blade
Robertshaw blade
The Macintosh blade is curved and designed to sit in the vallecula, indirectly lifting the epiglottis for visualization. It is the most commonly used blade for adult direct laryngoscopy. The Miller blade is straight and differs in technique.
The Sellick maneuver is performed by applying pressure to which structure to reduce the risk of regurgitation?
Cricoid cartilage
Thyroid cartilage
Hyoid bone
Epiglottis
The Sellick maneuver involves applying firm backward pressure on the cricoid cartilage to occlude the esophagus and reduce regurgitation risk. This technique helps prevent aspiration during induction. It must be applied carefully to avoid airway distortion.
Which ventilation strategy is recommended to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury in compromised patients?
Low tidal volume (~6 ml/kg predicted body weight)
High tidal volume (~12 ml/kg)
Zero PEEP
High respiratory rate only
Low tidal volume ventilation (around 6 ml/kg of predicted body weight) minimizes overdistension of alveoli and reduces ventilator-induced lung injury. High tidal volumes are associated with barotrauma and volutrauma. Protective strategies improve outcomes in compromised patients.
In which scenario is a nasopharyngeal airway most appropriately used?
Semiconscious patient with intact gag reflex
Unconscious patient without gag reflex
Patient with basilar skull fracture
Suspected pharyngeal foreign body
Nasopharyngeal airways are tolerated in semiconscious patients with an intact gag reflex and maintain airway patency through the nasal passage. They are contraindicated in patients with basilar skull fractures due to risk of intracranial insertion. Proper sizing and lubrication are essential for safe use.
Which condition is a contraindication for placement of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA)?
Bowel obstruction with high aspiration risk
Short elective surgical procedure
BMI of 28 without reflux
Minor dental surgery
Laryngeal mask airways do not provide a definitive seal against aspiration and are therefore contraindicated in patients at high risk of regurgitation, such as those with bowel obstruction. They are suitable for elective procedures with low aspiration risk. Understanding contraindications prevents complications.
Which technique most improves mask ventilation efficiency by enhancing the face seal?
Two-handed mask hold with VE technique
One-handed mask hold
Jaw thrust with one hand
Chin lift alone
A two-handed mask hold using the VE technique secures a tight seal against the patient's face and allows another provider to squeeze the bag. This method significantly improves ventilation efficiency compared to one-handed techniques. Adequate seal is essential for effective oxygenation.
When both intubation and mask ventilation fail, which procedure is indicated to establish an emergent airway?
Surgical cricothyrotomy
Nasopharyngeal airway
Oropharyngeal airway
Fiberoptic bronchoscope
Surgical cricothyrotomy is the procedure of choice when both intubation and bag-mask ventilation have failed, creating an emergency airway. It provides rapid access to the trachea below the larynx. Prompt recognition and action in the 'cannot intubate, cannot ventilate' scenario are lifesaving.
Awake fiberoptic intubation is particularly indicated for which of the following scenarios?
Limited neck mobility with anticipated difficult airway
Routine elective surgery
Emergency rapid-sequence induction
Pediatric patient under two years old
Awake fiberoptic intubation is ideal for patients with limited neck mobility or other predictors of a difficult airway, as it allows maintenance of spontaneous ventilation and direct visualization. It is less suitable in emergent full-stomach cases due to aspiration risk. Proper topical anesthesia and sedation facilitate the procedure.
Which of the following is a known contraindication to succinylcholine due to risk of hyperkalemia?
Burn injury sustained 48 hours ago
Mild childhood asthma
Controlled hypertension
Type II diabetes mellitus
Burn injuries sustained more than 24 hours prior can lead to upregulation of extrajunctional acetylcholine receptors, causing dangerous hyperkalemia when succinylcholine is administered. This makes succinylcholine contraindicated in burn patients after the initial 24-hour period. Recognizing this risk avoids life-threatening complications.
A ventilated patient shows a sudden increase in peak airway pressure with a normal plateau pressure. What is the most likely cause?
Bronchospasm
Decreased lung compliance
Air leak in circuit
Tension pneumothorax
A high peak airway pressure combined with a normal plateau pressure indicates elevated airway resistance, such as bronchospasm or mucus plugging. Plateau pressure reflects static compliance, which remains unchanged in pure resistance issues. Distinguishing these measurements guides appropriate management like bronchodilation.
After tracheal intubation, you note unilateral absence of breath sounds on the left and elevated airway pressures. What is the most likely issue?
Right mainstem bronchial intubation
Generalized bronchospasm
Tension pneumothorax
Esophageal intubation
Right mainstem bronchial intubation causes unilateral ventilation, leading to absent breath sounds on the opposite side and increased peak airway pressures. The endotracheal tube must be withdrawn a few centimeters to restore bilateral ventilation. Early identification prevents hypoxia and barotrauma.
In which scenario is awake fiberoptic intubation the preferred approach?
Unstable cervical spine injury
Cardiac arrest patient
Routine elective surgery
Pediatric croup patient
Awake fiberoptic intubation maintains spontaneous ventilation and allows visualization when neck extension is contraindicated, such as in unstable cervical spine injuries. It reduces the risk of exacerbating spinal cord damage compared to direct laryngoscopy. Proper topical anesthesia is critical for patient comfort.
A patient develops stridor and respiratory distress one hour after extubation, consistent with laryngeal edema. What is the most appropriate initial management?
Nebulized epinephrine
Immediate reintubation
Intravenous furosemide
Oral steroids only
Post-extubation stridor due to laryngeal edema responds well to nebulized epinephrine, which causes rapid mucosal vasoconstriction. It relieves airway swelling and improves airflow prior to considering reintubation. Timely intervention can prevent escalation to invasive airway management.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key anatomical landmarks for efficient airway placement.
  2. Demonstrate correct endotracheal intubation technique.
  3. Evaluate ventilation strategies in compromised airway cases.
  4. Apply appropriate airway adjuncts during emergencies.
  5. Recognize and manage common airway complications promptly.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Key Anatomical Landmarks - Get up close and personal with the vallecula, epiglottis, and vocal cords so you can ace airway placement like a pro. Recognizing these structures lets you glide the tube in with confidence and avoid common pitfalls! Endotracheal Tube Intubation Techniques - StatPearls
  2. Intubation Technique Mastery - From perfect patient positioning to smooth laryngoscope handling and tube insertion, becoming a technique virtuoso boosts your success rates. Practice makes perfect, so channel your inner maestro and minimize complications! Endotracheal Tube Intubation Techniques - StatPearls
  3. Ventilation Strategies - Explore bag-mask versus mechanical ventilation tactics to keep patients breathing easy, even when airways are tricky. Understanding the pros and cons lets you tailor your approach and avoid scary low-oxygen moments! Airway Management - StatPearls
  4. Airway Adjuncts Galore - Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways are your secret weapons in tight spots. Learn when and how to deploy these gadgets to maintain patency and facilitate ventilation like a champ! Airway Management - StatPearls
  5. Handling Complications - No one likes surprises, so arm yourself against esophageal intubation, aspiration, and airway trauma. Quick recognition and swift action will save the day and keep your patient safe! Endotracheal Tube Intubation Techniques - StatPearls
  6. Adult vs. Pediatric Airways - Kids aren't just small adults: their subglottic region is narrower! Adapt your maneuvers for tiny airways and turn a daunting scenario into child's play. Airway Management - StatPearls
  7. Mnemonic Magic: LEMON - Look, Evaluate, Mallampati, Obstruction, Neck mobility: this handy checklist helps you spot difficult airways before they surprise you. Never enter a case unprepared! Endotracheal Tube Intubation Techniques - StatPearls
  8. Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) 101 - Learn when RSI is your go-to move and which medications will get the job done fast and safely. Timing and dosing are everything when seconds count! Airway Management - StatPearls
  9. Pre-oxygenation & Apneic Oxygenation - Boost oxygen reserves and extend your safe apnea time like a true airway ninja. Master these techniques to buy precious seconds during challenging intubations! Endotracheal Tube Intubation Techniques - StatPearls
  10. Confirming Tube Placement - End-tidal CO₂ monitoring and chest X-rays are your final checks to ensure the tube's in exactly the right spot. Trust but verify, because precision saves lives! Airway Management - StatPearls
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