Question

An adult asthma patient is experiencing laryngospasm and ineffective respirations, making orotracheal intubation impossible. So, you quickly decide to perform nasotracheal intubation. Which of the following tubes would be most appropriate for the procedure for an average height and weight adult?

A) Cuffed 6.0-6.5 mm endotracheal tube

B) Uncuffed 7-8 mm endotracheal tube

C) Uncuffed 6.0-6.5 mm endotracheal tube

D) Cuffed 7-8 mm endotracheal tube

Answer 1

A cuffed 7-8 mm endotracheal tube is most appropriate for nasotracheal intubation in an average adult patient who cannot undergo orotracheal intubation due to laryngospasm.

Step-by-step explanation:

For an adult patient experiencing laryngospasm and subsequently requiring nasotracheal intubation, the most appropriate choice among the given options would be D) Cuffed 7-8 mm endotracheal tube. Cuffed tubes are preferred as they provide a seal within the trachea, which is important for proper ventilation and to prevent aspiration. An average height and weight adult typically requires a tube size in the range of 7-8 mm in diameter. Nasotracheal intubation is particularly useful when orotracheal intubation is not possible due to obstructions or spasms, as in the case described.