Final answer:
No, visualizing the baby’s vocal cords is not required when inserting a laryngeal mask, as it is a supraglottic airway device designed for blind insertion.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the student’s question: No, you do not have to visualize the baby’s vocal cords to insert a laryngeal mask. A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is designed as a supraglottic airway device that is inserted blindly, which means without direct visualization of the vocal cords. It is seated over the glottic opening, allowing for ventilation without needing to visualize or navigate the vocal cords directly. When compared to endotracheal intubation, where direct visualization of the vocal cords is crucial to place the tube correctly, LMA insertion relies on anatomical landmarks and the practitioner's experience.
The correct option in the given choices is b) No, never. This simplifies the process and makes it faster and less technically demanding than intubation. It's also worth noting that the baby's weight is not a determinant for the need to visualize the vocal cords when using an LMA. LMA usage can be particularly useful in emergency situations or when intubation fails, but this does not typically require subsequent attempts at visualizing the vocal cords.