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A patient needs to be intubated after a car accident. She has a suspected cervical (neck) spine injury. Which is the LEAST ideal device to use?

A) Fiberoptic bronchoscope
B) Rigid video laryngoscope
C) Laryngoscope with MAC 3 blade
D) Intubating LMA
E) None of the above

User Aminul
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Intubating LMA is the least ideal device for intubating a patient with a suspected cervical spine injury due to the requirement for more neck manipulation, which could exacerbate the injury. Fiberoptic bronchoscope and rigid video laryngoscope are better choices as they minimize neck movement.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient needing intubation with a suspected cervical spine injury should have their neck movement minimized to prevent further injury. Of the options provided, the Intubating LMA (Laryngeal Mask Airway) is the least ideal device to use. An Intubating LMA requires more neck manipulation than the other options, which could exacerbate the suspected cervical spine injury. Devices like the fiberoptic bronchoscope and the rigid video laryngoscope are designed to facilitate intubation with minimal neck movement and would therefore be preferable.

The laryngoscope with MAC 3 blade is also a common tool used during intubation that allows for a direct view of the vocal cords but requires some degree of neck extension, which can be risky in cases of cervical spine injury. Therefore, while consideration may be given to all options, the safest devices to use for intubating a patient with a potential cervical spine injury would be those that limit neck movement, like the fiberoptic bronchoscope or video laryngoscope.

User Pmaniyan
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