Endotracheal intubation is the gold standard for definitive airway management. Indications are categorized by the necessity to protect, maintain, or ventilate the airway.
| Category | Clinical Scenarios |
|---|---|
| Airway Protection | Loss of protective airway reflexes (e.g., GCS < 8), coma, massive hematemesis/hemoptysis, airway burns/edema. |
| Oxygenation/Ventilation | Refractory hypoxemia, hypercapnic respiratory failure, and impending respiratory fatigue. |
| Surgery/Procedure | General anaesthesia, procedures requiring neuromuscular blockade, or prone/lateral positioning. |
High-Yield Clinical Notes:
- The “Airway Assessment”: Always perform a rapid assessment (e.g., LEMON criteria) before attempting intubation.
- GCS < 8: A classic, though not absolute, teaching trigger for securing the airway to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate ventilation.
- Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI): Standard approach for intubating patients with a “full stomach” to prevent aspiration, utilizing rapid-onset induction agents and muscle relaxants.
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