Chapter 28: Airway Management in a Patient with a Deep Neck Infection

Chapter 28. Airway Management in a Patient with a Deep Neck Infection

What is Ludwig's angina?

A. epiglottitis

B. unstable angina

C. deep neck infection and edema involving the entire floor of the mouth

D. lingual tonsillitis

E. mediastinitis

(C) Ludwig's angina is defined as the bilateral cellulitis and edema of the submandibular and sublingual spaces or deep neck infection and edema involving the entire floor of the mouth.

Which of the following airway management strategies may be difficult in patients with a Ludwig's angina?

A. face-mask ventilation

B. ventilation using extraglottic devices

C. direct laryngoscopy

D. surgical airway

E. all of the above

(E) All the listed airway management strategies may be difficult in patients with Ludwig's angina.

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable intubating technique in managing patients with Ludwig's angina?

A. surgical airway

B. flexible bronchoscopic intubation

C. intubation using an intubating LMA

D. laryngoscopic intubation

E. intubation using a GlideScope™

(C) In general, a nonvisual intubating technique, such as intubation using an Intubating LMA, should be avoided in managing patients with a Ludwig's angina.

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