In some <\/a>cases, the anesthesia care provider can predict a difficult airway; in other <\/a><\/a>cases, it can be unexpected. The perioperative nurse must be prepared to provide extra assistance in <\/a>both circumstances. It is important to know exactly where all pieces of airway equipment are located including the difficult-airway cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the patient is known to be a difficult airway, the difficult intubation cart, as well as other intubation assistive devices, should be in the room and ready for use before the patient arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If an airway emergency occurs unexpectedly, the perioperative nurse should alert others and stay at the bedside to assist the anesthesia care provider. Additional help can bring the difficult airway cart and any other necessary supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose one or multiple responses to answer the question. Select “Check” when you feel confident in your answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\ud83e\udde9 Practice Activity: Predictors of a Difficult Airway<\/h5>\n\n\n\n