Both the respiratory therapist and the physician have made several attempts to intubate a patient. The patient is becoming more and more cyanotic. Face mask ventilation is inadequate. The most appropriate action to take is which of the following?

a. Administer a paralyzing agent.
b. Make another attempt at oral intubation.
c. Establish an airway with a tracheostomy.
d. Attempt to establish a nasopharyngeal airway.


ANS: C
According to the "Difficult Airway Algorithm", in this type of situation, emergency invasive airway access should be initiated. This includes either surgical or percutaneous tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy.

Health Professions

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