Which step involves 3-5 minutes of preoxygenation with 10-15 L/min oxygen?

Which step involves 3-5 minutes of preoxygenation with 10-15 L/min oxygen?

• A. Preparation
• B. Pretreatment
• C. Paralysis With Induction
• D. Preoxygenation

Answer: (D)

Preoxygenation is the step that maximizes the oxygen reservoir in anticipation of apnea during airway management. It involves delivering 100% oxygen through a well-sealed mask at a high flow, typically 10–15 L/min, for about 3–5 minutes. This denitrogenates the lungs, increasing the functional oxygen store and delaying the onset of hypoxemia if ventilation is interrupted during induction. The other steps focus on preparation, pretreatment, or the induction with paralysis, but they do not specify this purposeful oxygenation phase.

Preoxygenation is the step that maximizes the oxygen reservoir in anticipation of apnea during airway management. It involves delivering 100% oxygen through a well-sealed mask at a high flow, typically 10–15 L/min, for about 3–5 minutes. This denitrogenates the lungs, increasing the functional oxygen store and delaying the onset of hypoxemia if ventilation is interrupted during induction. The other steps focus on preparation, pretreatment, or the induction with paralysis, but they do not specify this purposeful oxygenation phase.