Difficult airway management MCQs – Anesthesia

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 13, 2024

Difficult Airway Management MCQs – Anesthesia

1. What is the primary goal of difficult airway management?
   a) To avoid airway trauma
   b) To ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation
   c) To minimize drug use
   d) To expedite surgical proceduresAnswer: b) To ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation
2. Which of the following is a common indicator of a potentially difficult airway?
   a) Short neck
   b) Normal BMI
   c) Full dentition
   d) No history of respiratory issuesAnswer: a) Short neck
3. What is the primary method used to assess airway difficulty before anesthesia?
   a) Mallampati classification
   b) ASA classification
   c) APGAR score
   d) Glasgow Coma ScaleAnswer: a) Mallampati classification
4. In the Mallampati classification, what does Class IV indicate?
   a) Easy visualization of the tonsils and uvula
   b) Visualization of only the hard palate
   c) Visualization of the soft palate and uvula
   d) No visualization of the oral cavityAnswer: b) Visualization of only the hard palate
5. Which airway management technique is most commonly used for patients with a predicted difficult airway?
   a) Rapid sequence induction
   b) Fiberoptic intubation
   c) Manual ventilation
   d) Nasotracheal intubationAnswer: b) Fiberoptic intubation
6. What is the purpose of using an airway adjunct such as a bougie?
   a) To facilitate endotracheal tube insertion
   b) To suction the airway
   c) To administer oxygen
   d) To provide sedationAnswer: a) To facilitate endotracheal tube insertion
7. Which position is typically recommended for patients with a difficult airway to improve visualization during laryngoscopy?
   a) Supine
   b) Prone
   c) Trendelenburg
   d) Semi-Fowler’sAnswer: a) Supine
8. What is a common complication associated with blind nasotracheal intubation in difficult airway scenarios?
   a) Nasal trauma
   b) Esophageal intubation
   c) Laryngospasm
   d) Vocal cord injuryAnswer: a) Nasal trauma
9. Which device is specifically designed to assist with visualization of the vocal cords in a difficult airway?
   a) Laryngoscope
   b) Oropharyngeal airway
   c) Endotracheal tube
   d) Bag-mask ventilationAnswer: a) Laryngoscope
10. When might an emergency cricothyrotomy be indicated?
    a) When intubation is impossible and ventilation is compromised
    b) During routine intubation
    c) For routine airway maintenance
    d) When administering sedationAnswer: a) When intubation is impossible and ventilation is compromised
11. Which of the following is NOT a standard method for managing a difficult airway?
    a) Use of video laryngoscopy
    b) Nasal intubation
    c) Oral airway
    d) Endoscopic airway managementAnswer: c) Oral airway
12. What is the primary advantage of using video laryngoscopy in difficult airway management?
    a) Enhanced visualization of the airway
    b) Reduced need for sedation
    c) Increased speed of intubation
    d) Lower costAnswer: a) Enhanced visualization of the airway
13. Which maneuver is often performed to improve visualization during direct laryngoscopy?
    a) Cricoid pressure
    b) Head extension
    c) Jaw thrust
    d) Nasal packingAnswer: c) Jaw thrust
14. What is the primary indication for using a fiberoptic bronchoscope in airway management?
    a) Difficult orotracheal intubation
    b) Routine intubation
    c) Endoscopic examination of the stomach
    d) Needle cricothyrotomyAnswer: a) Difficult orotracheal intubation
15. Which of the following is a common airway adjunct used to facilitate ventilation in difficult airway scenarios?
    a) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
    b) Endotracheal tube
    c) Suction catheter
    d) Tracheostomy tubeAnswer: a) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
16. What should be done if the endotracheal tube is not passing through the vocal cords during intubation?
    a) Attempt to reposition the patient
    b) Use a different size tube
    c) Increase the force applied
    d) Insert a bougie or intubation styletAnswer: d) Insert a bougie or intubation stylet
17. Which of the following conditions is most likely to contribute to a difficult airway?
    a) Obesity
    b) Normal dental arch
    c) Absence of a neck mass
    d) Full range of neck movementAnswer: a) Obesity
18. What does the term “failed intubation” refer to in airway management?
    a) The inability to achieve or maintain ventilation using endotracheal intubation
    b) The failure of the laryngoscope to illuminate the airway
    c) The failure to administer anesthesia
    d) The inability to insert an oral airwayAnswer: a) The inability to achieve or maintain ventilation using endotracheal intubation
19. Which tool can be used to provide ventilation while maintaining airway patency if intubation fails?
    a) Bag-mask ventilation
    b) Suction device
    c) Fiberoptic bronchoscope
    d) Endoscopic cameraAnswer: a) Bag-mask ventilation
20. What is the purpose of the Sellick maneuver (cricoid pressure) during intubation?
    a) To prevent regurgitation and aspiration
    b) To facilitate visualization of the vocal cords
    c) To reduce airway resistance
    d) To increase sedationAnswer: a) To prevent regurgitation and aspiration
21. Which airway management device is most appropriate for emergency situations where rapid access to the airway is required?
    a) Endotracheal tube
    b) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
    c) Tracheostomy tube
    d) LaryngoscopeAnswer: b) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
22. What is the primary function of the bougie in difficult airway management?
    a) To facilitate endotracheal tube placement
    b) To suction the airway
    c) To provide oxygenation
    d) To administer local anesthesiaAnswer: a) To facilitate endotracheal tube placement
23. Which of the following is a recommended step if endotracheal intubation is unsuccessful?
    a) Use a different intubation technique
    b) Perform a cricothyrotomy immediately
    c) Increase the depth of anesthesia
    d) Remove the endotracheal tube and attempt another approachAnswer: a) Use a different intubation technique
24. What is the primary goal when using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in difficult airway management?
    a) To secure the airway in patients with a difficult intubation
    b) To provide continuous sedation
    c) To monitor airway pressures
    d) To administer intravenous fluidsAnswer: a) To secure the airway in patients with a difficult intubation
25. Which of the following airway management devices is least likely to be used in the presence of a full stomach?
    a) Endotracheal tube
    b) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
    c) Bougie
    d) Nasotracheal tubeAnswer: b) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
26. Which approach is often recommended for intubating a patient with a known difficult airway?
    a) Awake intubation
    b) Rapid sequence induction
    c) Fiberoptic intubation
    d) Blind nasal intubationAnswer: c) Fiberoptic intubation
27. What is the most appropriate intervention if a patient’s airway becomes obstructed during anesthesia?
    a) Administer supplemental oxygen
    b) Perform bag-mask ventilation
    c) Increase the depth of anesthesia
    d) Start chest compressionsAnswer: b) Perform bag-mask ventilation
28. Which maneuver can help improve visualization during difficult laryngoscopy by aligning the airway axes?
    a) Ramp position
    b) Trendelenburg position
    c) Supine position
    d) Prone positionAnswer: a) Ramp position
29. Which condition is a contraindication for the use of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA)?
    a) Severe airway obstruction
    b) Full stomach
    c) Obesity
    d) Short neckAnswer: b) Full stomach
30. In the event of failed intubation, which alternative airway management technique is suitable?
    a) Percutaneous tracheostomy
    b) Cricothyrotomy
    c) Bag-mask ventilation
    d) TracheostomyAnswer: c) Bag-mask ventilation
31. Which technique can be used to manage a difficult airway when the patient has a limited mouth opening?
    a) Fiberoptic intubation
    b) Rapid sequence induction
    c) Blind nasotracheal intubation
    d) Manual ventilationAnswer: a) Fiberoptic intubation
32. Which of the following is a key feature of video laryngoscopy that assists with difficult airway management?
    a) Enhanced visualization of the airway structures
    b) Ability to administer anesthetic agents
    c) Disposable blade options
    d) Integrated suction systemAnswer: a) Enhanced visualization of the airway structures
33. Which patient position is generally avoided during intubation in difficult airway management?
    a) Supine
    b) Prone
    c) Trendelenburg
    d) SittingAnswer: b) Prone
34. Which of the following maneuvers helps in improving the view of the vocal cords during laryngoscopy?
    a) Cricoid pressure
    b) Head extension
    c) Jaw thrust
    d) Elevation of the chinAnswer: c) Jaw thrust
35. What should be done if an endotracheal tube is incorrectly placed in the esophagus?
    a) Withdraw the tube and reposition
    b) Attempt to ventilate with the tube in place
    c) Inflate the cuff to secure the tube
    d) Administer sedation and wait for correct placementAnswer: a) Withdraw the tube and reposition
36. Which airway device is most suitable for a patient with severe maxillofacial injury?
    a) Endotracheal tube
    b) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
    c) Fiberoptic bronchoscope
    d) Suction catheterAnswer: c) Fiberoptic bronchoscope
37. What is the main advantage of using a bougie during intubation?
    a) Facilitates navigation past vocal cords
    b) Provides additional suction
    c) Enhances airway visualization
    d) Delivers oxygenAnswer: a) Facilitates navigation past vocal cords
38. Which airway device is often used as a rescue option in case of failed intubation?
    a) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
    b) Fiberoptic bronchoscope
    c) Endotracheal tube
    d) Nasopharyngeal airwayAnswer: a) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
39. What is a critical step before performing a cricothyrotomy?
    a) Confirm the need for the procedure
    b) Administer general anesthesia
    c) Intubate the patient
    d) Suction the airwayAnswer: a) Confirm the need for the procedure
40. Which airway management technique is particularly useful for patients with a high risk of aspiration?
    a) Endotracheal intubation
    b) Bag-mask ventilation
    c) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
    d) Nasal intubationAnswer: a) Endotracheal intubation
41. What is the recommended approach when encountering a “cannot intubate, cannot ventilate” situation?
    a) Perform immediate cricothyrotomy
    b) Continue with bag-mask ventilation
    c) Increase sedation depth
    d) Attempt re-intubationAnswer: a) Perform immediate cricothyrotomy
42. Which factor can increase the difficulty of intubation in an obese patient?
    a) Limited neck mobility
    b) Normal dentition
    c) Absence of obstructive sleep apnea
    d) Short statureAnswer: a) Limited neck mobility
43. What is a common method to confirm proper placement of an endotracheal tube?
    a) Auscultation of lung sounds
    b) Checking tube length
    c) Monitoring patient heart rate
    d) Measuring end-tidal CO2Answer: d) Measuring end-tidal CO2
44. Which airway device is NOT typically used in difficult airway scenarios?
    a) Endotracheal tube
    b) Tracheostomy tube
    c) Oropharyngeal airway
    d) Nasal cannulaAnswer: d) Nasal cannula
45. What should be done if the patient’s airway is obstructed despite using an LMA?
    a) Remove the LMA and intubate
    b) Perform bag-mask ventilation
    c) Increase the LMA cuff pressure
    d) Attempt cricothyrotomyAnswer: a) Remove the LMA and intubate
46. Which technique is considered less invasive and often used in patients with anticipated difficult airways?
    a) Awake fiberoptic intubation
    b) Emergency cricothyrotomy
    c) Tracheostomy
    d) Blind nasotracheal intubationAnswer: a) Awake fiberoptic intubation
47. What is the recommended approach for intubating a patient with a known history of difficult intubation?
    a) Preoperative assessment and planning
    b) Use of a standard intubation technique
    c) Use of muscle relaxants only
    d) Immediate induction and intubationAnswer: a) Preoperative assessment and planning
48. Which device is often used to visualize the airway in patients with a predicted difficult intubation?
    a) Video laryngoscope
    b) Standard laryngoscope
    c) Bag-mask ventilation
    d) Nasal airwayAnswer: a) Video laryngoscope
49. What is a key benefit of using a video laryngoscope over a traditional laryngoscope?
    a) Ability to visualize the airway in high-definition
    b) Simpler to use
    c) Less expensive
    d) No need for additional lightingAnswer: a) Ability to visualize the airway in high-definition
50. Which airway management strategy is often employed when facing an unanticipated difficult airway?
    a) Use of alternative intubation techniques
    b) Immediate surgical airway access
    c) Continued attempts with the same technique
    d) Discontinuation of the procedureAnswer: a) Use of alternative intubation techniques

Topic-wise Anesthesia MCQs

1. Anesthesiology MCQs
2. Anesthesia Basics:
   • Levels of sedation and anesthesia MCQs
   • Stages of anesthesia MCQs
3. Anesthesia Agents MCQs:
   • Inhaled anesthetics MCQs
   • Intravenous anesthetics MCQs
   • Neuromuscular blocking agents MCQs
   • Local anesthetics MCQs
4. Airway Management:
   • Endotracheal intubation MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Supraglottic airway devices MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Video laryngoscopy MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Difficult airway management MCQs – Anesthesia
5. Anesthesia Monitoring MCQs – Anesthesia:
   • Hemodynamic monitoring MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Pulse oximetry MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Capnography MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Temperature monitoring MCQs – Anesthesia
6. Regional Anesthesia MCQs :
   • Epidural anesthesia MCQs
   • Spinal anesthesia MCQs
   • Peripheral nerve blocks MCQs
7. Patient Assessment and Optimization:
   • Pre-operative assessment MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Patient history and physical examination MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Risk assessment and optimization MCQs – Anesthesia
8. Anesthesia Delivery Systems MCQs:
   • Inhalation anesthesia machines MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Intravenous anesthesia techniques MCQs – Anesthesia
9. Pediatric Anesthesia MCQs :
   • Considerations for anesthesia in pediatric patients MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Pediatric airway management MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Pediatric drug dosages MCQs – Anesthesia
10. Obstetric Anesthesia MCQs – Anesthesia:
    • Anesthesia for labor and delivery MCQs
    • Epidural analgesia in obstetrics MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Anesthetic considerations for cesarean section
11. Anesthesia Complications and Emergencies MCQs:
    • Malignant hyperthermia MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Anaphylaxis MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Cardiac arrest during anesthesia MCQs – Anesthesia
12. Post-Anesthesia Care MCQs:
    • Recovery room management MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Pain management strategies MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Post-operative complications related to anesthesia MCQs
13. Geriatric Anesthesia:
    • Considerations for anesthesia in elderly patients MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Geriatric pharmacology MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Management of common comorbidities MCQs – Anesthesia
14. Ethics and Professionalism in Anesthesia MCQs:
    • Informed consent MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Patient autonomy MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Professional conduct and communication MCQs – Anesthesia
15. Simulation and Skills Training MCQs :
    • Hands-on training in airway management and procedures MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Simulation exercises for crisis management MCQs – Anesthesia