What is preoperative airway assessment?

The assessment of the patient’s airway is an integral part of the pre-operative workup. Its purpose is to predict potential problems, allowing a management plan to be developed ahead of time and avoid an unanticipated difficult airway.

What must you assess before intubation?

When confronting such scenarios, the emergency clinician must consider a number of factors when deciding whether intubation is needed, including the patient’s respiratory status, the pathologic process and likelihood of deterioration, patient age and comorbidities, the need for transfer to another facility, and …

What should I look for in an airway assessment?

Assessing the Airway

• Observe patient for signs of airway obstruction: such as paradoxical chest and abdominal movements.
• Look to identify whether skin colour is blue or mottled.
• Listen for signs of airway obstruction: certain sounds will assist you in localising the level of the obstruction (Smith 2003).

How do you assess airways for intubation?

The patient’s neck mobility plays a role in airway assessment as well. The ideal position for intubation is the “sniffing position.” The sniffing position requires flexion of the neck to 35 degrees and head extension to 15 degrees.

Do you get paid for a Pre-anesthesia evaluation?

Compensation for pre-anesthesia evaluation including the immediate pre-anesthesia assessment (history, physical exam with airway assessment, NPO status, and other pertinent elements) is paid within the anesthesia base units and is not separately billable.

What should be included in a preoperative Airway assessment?

In addition to identifying relevant patient factors, preoperative airway assessment should also take into account the type of surgery planned and its impact on the type of anesthesia required. This is particularly important in operations with a ‘shared airway ‘. Communicate with your surgeon!

What should be included in a Preanesthesia physical exam?

At a minimum, a focused preanesthesia physical examination includes an assessment of the airway, lungs and heart, with documentation of vital signs. Unexpected abnormal findings on the physical examination should be investigated before elective surgery.

When to do a post-anesthesia sedation assessment?

Deep Sedation, Regional anesthesia and Anesthesia: assessments must be performed by a qualified individual and consistent with state law and regulation. In deemed* organizations, completion of the post- anesthesia assessment for both inpatient and outpatient must be completed within 48 hours by an anesthesia practitioner or credentialed LIP.