Which is an indication for an extraglottic airway device?

Which is an indication for an extraglottic airway device?

• A. Unsuccessful ventilation with a basic airway
• B. Gag reflex
• C. Hx of esophageal trauma
• D. Recent ingestion of caustic substance

Answer: (A)

Extraglottic airway devices are used when you need rapid airway control and ventilation after basic airway methods have failed. If you’ve tried bag-valve-mask ventilation with a basic airway adjunct (like an oropharyngeal or nasal airway) and you cannot achieve effective ventilation or oxygenation, an extraglottic device provides a quick, reliable way to ventilate the patient and serves as a bridge to a definitive airway if needed. The other options don’t reflect a situation where you would routinely place an extraglottic airway: gag reflex, history of esophageal trauma, or recent caustic ingestion are factors that complicate airway management but do not constitute an indication for an extraglottic device.

Extraglottic airway devices are used when you need rapid airway control and ventilation after basic airway methods have failed. If you’ve tried bag-valve-mask ventilation with a basic airway adjunct (like an oropharyngeal or nasal airway) and you cannot achieve effective ventilation or oxygenation, an extraglottic device provides a quick, reliable way to ventilate the patient and serves as a bridge to a definitive airway if needed. The other options don’t reflect a situation where you would routinely place an extraglottic airway: gag reflex, history of esophageal trauma, or recent caustic ingestion are factors that complicate airway management but do not constitute an indication for an extraglottic device.