Which of the following is NOT considered an advanced airway option?
a) King Airway
b) Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)
c) Endotracheal Tube (ET tube)
d) Bag-mask ventilation
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is d) Bag-mask ventilation.
Bag-mask ventilation, also known as bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation, is NOT considered an advanced airway option. It is a basic airway management technique commonly used in both pre-hospital and in-hospital settings to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own. This method does not involve inserting any devices into the patient’s airway beyond the oral cavity, making it a fundamental skill for first responders, nurses, paramedics, and medical personnel. It’s typically used for short-term respiratory support during resuscitation or until a more definitive airway can be established.
Explanation of Advanced Airway Options:
- King Airway: The King Airway is a supraglottic airway device that is inserted into the esophagus and used to secure the airway without needing to visualize the vocal cords. It is designed for easy placement and can be used in situations where endotracheal intubation is either difficult or not possible. It is considered an advanced airway option because it provides better control of the airway than basic methods like BVM ventilation.
- Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA): The LMA is another supraglottic airway device used for ventilation, oxygenation, and anesthetic gas delivery. It sits above the vocal cords and creates a seal around the laryngeal inlet. Like the King Airway, it is used when intubation is difficult or unnecessary, making it an advanced airway option.
- Endotracheal Tube (ET tube): Endotracheal intubation is the most definitive form of airway management and is considered an advanced airway technique. The ET tube is inserted directly into the trachea, allowing for complete control over the patient’s airway and preventing aspiration. It requires specialized skills and equipment for proper placement and is used in critical situations like surgery or during resuscitation when prolonged airway control is needed.
In contrast, Bag-mask ventilation is a basic airway maneuver and not classified as advanced because it lacks the secure airway control offered by devices such as the King Airway, LMA, or ET tube.