Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) Practice Exam

When managing a patient with a history of difficult intubation, what is the recommended monitoring technique during the procedure?

1. Continuous pulse oximetry

2. Capnography monitoring

3. Watch for signs of aspiration

4. Frequent blood pressure checks

The correct answer is: Continuous pulse oximetry

In the management of a patient with a history of difficult intubation, continuous pulse oximetry is a critical monitoring technique. This method provides real-time data on the patient's oxygen saturation levels, allowing healthcare providers to promptly identify any deterioration in oxygenation during the intubation process. Given the challenges associated with difficult intubations, maintaining adequate oxygenation is paramount; thus, continuous pulse oximetry assists in ensuring that the patient's airway remains patent and that they are receiving sufficient oxygen during the entire procedure. Other monitoring options, such as capnography, while beneficial, primarily assess ventilation rather than immediate oxygen levels. Signs of aspiration are certainly important to monitor but are typically indirect indicators of airway management success and do not provide ongoing data throughout the procedure. Frequent blood pressure checks, though valuable for assessing hemodynamic stability, are not specific to the concerns of airway management and potential hypoxia during intubation. Overall, continuous pulse oximetry is particularly vital in this context as it directly addresses the risks associated with difficult intubation, ensuring that the patient’s oxygenation status is continuously monitored while managing the airway.