Final answer:
The three factors that predict a difficult airway are the Mallampati score, thyromental distance, and neck circumference. These factors are predictive because they relate to anatomical space available for airway management and potential obstruction issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three factors that predict a difficult airway are Mallampati score, thyromental distance, and neck circumference. Notably, the Mallampati score involves an assessment of the size of the oropharyngeal cavity and is an indicator of the ease of intubation. Thyromental distance is the length between the thyroid notch and the mentum (chin), which suggests the relative space available for airway devices. Lastly, the neck circumference can predict the potential for obstructed airways, particularly due to excess adipose tissue which could narrow the trachea when the patient is supine.