Final answer:
The cricoid pressure maneuver facilitates laryngeal manipulation during endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia. It helps prevent aspiration and improves the view of the laryngeal inlet for tube placement. The correct answer question is 'c. Laryngeal manipulation'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cricoid pressure maneuver is a medical technique used during endotracheal intubation, which often takes place under general anesthesia. This maneuver involves applying pressure to the cricoid cartilage with the goal of compressing the esophagus, which can help prevent regurgitation of stomach contents and reduce the risk of aspiration. It is also thought to improve the view of the laryngeal inlet during intubation.
Intubation is a process wherein a tube is placed into the trachea to maintain an open airway to the lungs and ensure that the airway is sealed off from the oropharynx during situations where a patient's own airway may be compromised, such as obstruction or during surgery under general anesthesia. The application of the cricoid pressure maneuver may facilitate other aspects of airway management, but when discussing esophageal intubation, suctioning, or tracheostomy insertion, it is primarily aimed at laryngeal manipulation to assist direct visualization during intubation and protect the airway. Therefore, The correct answer question is 'c. Laryngeal manipulation'.