Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Which drug can be administered through a mucosal atomization device during awake fiber optic intubation?

1. Lidocaine 4%

2. Fentanyl 2%

3. Propofol 1%

4. Ketamine 10%

The correct answer is: Lidocaine 4%

The administration of Lidocaine 4% via a mucosal atomization device during awake fiber optic intubation is beneficial because of its local anesthetic properties. Lidocaine acts to numb the airway, which can significantly reduce discomfort and the gag reflex in patients who are awake and aware during the intubation procedure. This is crucial in awake fiber optic intubation where patients may have anxiety and discomfort when a flexible fiber optic scope is advanced through the nasal or oral passage into the trachea. In contrast, while fentanyl, propofol, and ketamine are all effective medications for sedation and analgesia, they do not possess the local anesthetic properties necessary to mitigate the discomfort associated with intubation. Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic and is typically used for pain relief, but it does not numb the mucosal surface. Propofol is primarily used for sedation and may lead to respiratory depression if administered in the context of awake intubation. Ketamine, although dissociative and sometimes used for both sedation and analgesia, may not be suitable for mucosal administration as a local anesthetic. Therefore, Lidocaine 4% is the appropriate choice for this specific application during awake fiber optic intubation,