Chapter 5: Aspiration: Risks and Prevention

Chapter 5. Aspiration: Risks and Prevention

How much cricoid pressure has been shown to prevent gastric regurgitation?

A. 10 N

B. 20 N

C. 30 N

D. 40 N

E. 50 N

(C) 30 N is more than enough to prevent regurgitation into the pharynx in most patients. Pressures of greater than 30 N (approximately 3 kg, or 7 lb) are unlikely to be necessary. The originally described forces (40 N) would rarely be necessary to prevent gastric regurgitation.

Which of the following is NOT true about cricoid pressure and airway techniques?

A. The difficulty in ventilation using the LMA is dependent on the amount of pressure applied.

B. Cricoid pressure reduces the incidence of gastric insufflation when using an LMA.

C. Improper LMA placement can occur when cricoid pressure is applied.

D. Ventilation via a face mask has not been shown to be affected by cricoid pressure.

E. In the event of difficulty with laryngoscopy, cricoid pressure should be released.

(D) All of the statements about cricoid pressure and airway techniques are true, including cricoid pressure can also affect ventilation via a face mask.

Which of the following is NOT a known factor that increases the risk of aspiration?

A. Emergency surgery

B. Timing of surgery

C. Lack of fasting

D. Pregnant patients

E. Children

(E) All except young children are known factors that increase the risk of aspiration.