Pre-anaesthetic Evaluation & Airway

Topics in this chapter

• Pre-anaesthetic Assessment
• ASA Classification and Risk
• Cardiac and Coagulation Evaluation
• Airway Assessment and Prediction
• Difficult Airway Management
• Special Airway Conditions
• Preoperative Preparation

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-CAB364

   A 45-year-old obese male scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is evaluated in the pre-anaesthetic clinic. On airway examination, he has a Mallampati class III view, thyromental distance of 5 cm, and limited neck extension. Which of the following is the single best predictor of difficult bag-mask ventilation in this patient?

   1. A.Mallampati class III
   2. B.Thyromental distance of 5 cm
   3. C.Presence of a beard and high BMI
   4. D.Limited neck extension
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-4EE54E

   According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, how would you classify a 58-year-old patient with controlled essential hypertension and well-managed type 2 diabetes mellitus who is scheduled for routine right inguinal hernia repair?

   1. A.ASA I
   2. B.ASA II
   3. C.ASA III
   4. D.ASA IV
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-00D3CB

   A 35-year-old male is brought to the emergency department following a motor vehicle collision with massive facial trauma, severe bleeding into the oral cavity, and complete distortion of upper airway anatomy. Bag-mask ventilation is failing due to blood clots and facial fractures. The immediate procedure of choice to secure his airway is:

   1. A.Rapid sequence intubation with a Macintosh blade
   2. B.Awake fiberoptic intubation
   3. C.Surgical cricothyroidotomy
   4. D.Insertion of a classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-E185C6

   Which of the following pre-operative fasting guidelines endorsed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) for elective procedures in adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia is correct?

   1. A.Clear liquids: minimum 2 hours
   2. B.Breast milk: minimum 4 hours
   3. C.Light meal (toast and clear tea): minimum 4 hours
   4. D.Non-human milk / infant formula: minimum 2 hours
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-4728E4

   A patient with severe rheumatoid arthritis involving the cervical spine presents for total knee replacement. During pre-anaesthetic evaluation, which specific airway-related pathology must be carefully screened for to prevent neurological injury during direct laryngoscopy?

   1. A.Temporomandibular joint ankylosis
   2. B.Atlantoaxial instability
   3. C.Cricoarytenoid joint fixation
   4. D.Macroglossia
   See the answer and solution