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patient dentures, significant loose teeth, and any oral debris.

Choose the appropriate size ETT. Tube sizes range in diameter from 2.5-9 mm. A size 7.5- or 8.0-mm tube is appropriate for most adult female and male patients respectively.

Inflate the balloon to check for leaks and insert a stylet.

Uncuffed ETTs have been historically preferred in patients

younger than 8 years of age as the narrowest portion of

their airways lies inferior to the vocal cords at the level of

the cricoid ring. That said, most practitioners now prefer

cuffed ETTs for all patients. To determine the appropriate

size of the ETT in pediatric patients, either use the formula

Size = (Age/4) + 4 for uncuffed tubes or (Age/4) + 3 for the

cuffed variety, or use a tube that is equal in diameter to the

child's fifth finger .

Check the light on your laryngoscope blade to ensure

that it works. Laryngoscope blades range in size from 0-4

and come in 2 major varieties. The Macintosh blade is

curved in shape and meant to indirectly lift the epiglottis

away from the vocal cords. It is also designed with a special

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

Airway management indicated:

Failure to oxygenate, venti late, or

protect the airway