Instruments

Question 1

What is the absolute contraindication for use of a nasopharyngeal airway?

Answer 1

Facial injury particularly evidence of a base of skull fracture.

Racoon eyes
Battles’ sign
Haemotympanum
CSF rhinorrhoea or otorrhoea

Question 2

How do you size an oropharyngeal airway?

Answer 2

From incisors to angle of mandible

Question 3

What are the complications of a laryngeal mask airway?

Answer 3

Non-definitive so risk of leak or aspiration

It can become dislodged

Pressure necrosis from the inflated cuff.

Question 4

Which drug can you give to reduce the risk of recatherisation when attempting a TWOC after acute urinary retention?

Answer 4

Tamsulosin

Question 5

What is a definitive airway?

Answer 5

An airway that is protected from aspiration

Question 6

Suprapubic catheter

Answer 6

Indications

• urethral obstruction : BPH; prostatic Ca
• urethral injury

Method

• USS guided insertion under LA
• use of trocar

Contraindications

• patient refusal
• bladder cancer: due to risk of malignancy seeding
• unexplained haematuria
• previous lower abdominal surgery → adhesions

Complications

• Seeding malignancy
• Viscus perforation
• Haemorrhage