Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What procedure is performed if a patient's airway is obstructed and requires immediate intervention?

1. Intubation

2. Cricothyrotomy

3. Tracheostomy

4. Bronchoscopy

The correct answer is: Cricothyrotomy

In cases where a patient's airway is obstructed and requires immediate intervention, a cricothyrotomy is the procedure of choice. This emergency procedure involves making an incision through the skin over the cricothyroid membrane to establish an airway when traditional methods such as intubation are not feasible. Cricothyrotomy is particularly useful in situations where other means of securing the airway have failed or when there is a risk of severe swelling or trauma that could complicate intubation attempts. It allows for rapid access to the airway, facilitating ventilation and oxygenation in critically compromised patients. While intubation is a common technique for securing the airway, it may not be possible in all situations, especially in cases of severe facial trauma or when other obstructions are present. Tracheostomy, while it can secure an airway long-term, is more invasive and time-consuming than cricothyrotomy, making it less suitable for immediate needs. Bronchoscopy is primarily used for direct visualization of the airway and for therapeutic procedures within the bronchial tubes, rather than for quickly securing an airway in emergencies. Understanding the conditions and urgency in which a cricothyrotomy is performed illustrates its critical role in emergency response for airway management.