General Tips

Question 1

Proper Sniff Position

Answer 1

Different for everybody.

Proper sniff position requires the tragus to line up with the sternal notch.

Question 2

Keeping MAC patient awake

Answer 2

Continue asking simple questions about them:
What’s your favorite food?
Any good recipes?
Where do you want to go on next vacation?
Etc

Question 3

Success

Answer 3

Visualize what success looks like before doing something.

This helps remind you what you’re doing and puts you in the proper mindset. CONFIDENCE!!

Question 4

Deep Extubation

Answer 4

Get around 2 MAC
If patient doesn’t change breathing during suctioning, deflate cuff and watch for breath holding/change in pattern before pulling the tube.

Question 5

Titrating Opioid

Answer 5

Titrating opioids to respiratory rate while a patient is prone is not necessarily a good indicator of the patient’s pain level. If you’re going to rely on respiratory rate as the sole factor you should get the patient supine first. (Gershon)

Question 6

Macintosh vs Miller

Answer 6

With macintosh blades, the sniff position is critical. Ideally you will enter straight into the vallecula and angle up the epiglottis.
Miller blades render the sniff position less vital. It is possible to go beyond the glottis and gradually pull back until the glottic opening falls in front of you.