Reason of difficult intubation in an obese patient is?
Ans is 'd' i.e. All of the aboveReasons for difficult intubation in obese patientsi) Increased soft tissue mass* The increased weight & volume of soft tissue can distort the airway in a supine obese patient, making visualization of vital structures harder.* This can also make "lifting up" on the laryngoscope handle harder, as there is more weight to lift.ii) Increased pressure on diaphragm* Obese abdomens prevent normal diaphragmatic excursion, more so in supine position. This leads to lower tidal volumes in spontaneously breathing patients, faster desaturation once sedated/paralysed, and more difficult bag-valve-mask ventilation.iii) Reduced "Safe Apnoea Time"* This is the time between rendering a patient apnoeic with an anaesthetic, and the time they start to desaturate.* This happens more quickly in obese patients due to the poor mechanics of their airway (mentioned above), and their increased metabolic demands.
Difficult visualization
Decreased safe apnea time
Lower tidal volume
All of the above
Fundamental Concepts