Airway FACTS
- Should I remove the nasal cannula (NC) prior to intubating once the patient is paralyzed?
- NO
- “Apneic oxygenation” allows for continuos oxygenation through a passive process driven by oxygen gradients in the alveoli that are still performing their function of gas exchange.
- Can I can rely on a finger pulse oximetry probe for current oxygenation information?
- NO
- Pulse ox results can lag anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes depending on cardiac status of patient. Ear probes can provide more current information due to their lack of vasoconstriction and central blood supply.