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What is an absolute contraindication for a supraglottic airway?

1) Increased gastric emptying
2) Intestinal obstruction
3) Morbid obesity
4) Reactive airway disease

1 Answer

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Final answer:

An intestinal obstruction is an absolute contraindication for the use of a supraglottic airway due to the increased risk of aspiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

An absolute contraindication for the use of a supraglottic airway is intestinal obstruction. Supraglottic airways are devices used to maintain an open airway and they sit above the vocal cords, not going beyond the glottis. Therefore, they are unsuitable for patients with an intestinal obstruction because there is a heightened risk of regurgitation and aspiration of stomach contents. Conditions such as increased gastric emptying, morbid obesity, or reactive airway disease are not absolute contraindications, though caution and consideration for alternative airway management strategies are necessary in such cases.

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