Chapter 40: Airway Management of a Patient with Superior Vena Cava Obstruction Syndrome

Chapter 40. Airway Management of a Patient with Superior Vena Cava Obstruction Syndrome

Which of the following is NOT a known classic clinical sign and symptom of patients with SVC obstruction syndrome?

A. facial, neck, and arm swelling

B. hemoptysis

C. laryngeal edema

D. cerebral edema

E. engorgement of the mucous membranes

(B) The classic clinical signs and symptoms of SVC syndrome are related to upper body venous hypertension. These include facial, neck, and arm swelling, as well as engorgement of the mucous membranes, including those of the upper airway. But, hemoptysis is not a classic clinical sign and symptom of SVC syndrome.

Which of the following airway management strategies may be difficult in patients with a large mediastinal mass and SVC obstruction syndrome?

A. face-mask ventilation

B. ventilation using extraglottic devices

C. direct laryngoscopic intubation

D. surgical airway

E. all of the above

(E) All the listed airway management strategies may be difficult in patients with a large mediastinal mass and SVC obstruction syndrome.

Which of the following is a known complication associated with mediastinal masses and general anesthesia?

A. cardiovascular collapse

B. tracheal obstruction

C. pneumonia

D. pericardial effusion

E. all of the above

(E) Although cardiovascular collapse following induction of GA in adult patients with a mediastinal mass is a rare event, all the listed problems are known complications associated with mediastinal masses and general anesthesia.

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