Following a thorough pre-operative assessment, you do not anticipate that the airway is likely to be difficult. You plan to intubate via standard direct laryngoscopy. Give 4 airway considerations for airway management specific to this procedure?

  • Consider head-up tilt at induction to avoid the possibility of tracheal compression on lying flat (1)
  • Ensure adequate pre-oxygenation given risk of slower than usual intubation (1)
  • Nerve Integrity Monitoring tube (NIM) recommended: (1)
    • Allows intraoperative monitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve
    • Recommend by NICE
  • Consider spraying cords with lidocaine to reduce coughing (1)
  • Cuff should not be overinflated to avoid laryngeal oedema (1)
  • Be aware of the presence of a ‘shared airway
    • Tracheal tube should be positioned away from the surgical field (1)
    • Ensure tube securely taped (1)