Predicting a Difficult Airway
Prior to attempting intubation one should assess the airway.
3-3-2 rule indicates normal alignment and can offer some reassurance.
- 3 finger breadths between the incisor teeth.
- 3 finger breadths between the hyoid bone and the chin.
- 2 finger breadths between the thyroid notch & floor of the mouth.
Mallampati Classification
- Used to predict the ease of endotracheal intubation.
- Ideally this is assessed with the patient sitting up and tongue protruded.
- Classification is based on which parts of the oral cavity are visible:
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