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With regard to the paediatric airway:

True / False

The larynx is more anterior than in adults Correct

The epiglottis is at the level C5-6 Correct

Infants are obligate mouth breathers Correct

The narrowest part of the airway is at the cricoid cartilage Correct

The trachea bifurcation is at a higher thoracic level Correct

Explanation

The paediatric airway differs somewhat from its adult counterpart. Knowledge of these differences is extremely important when managing paediatric cases.

Anatomy Paediatric Adult

Head Large occiput Smaller occiput

Preferential breathing Nose Mouth

Tongue Large Small

Epiglottis shape Floppy, u-shaped Firm, flatter

Epiglottis level C3, 4 C5, 6

Laryngeal position/shape Funnel shaped, anterior Column

Trachea Narrow, shorter Wider, longer

Narrowest point Subglottic region/cricoid Vocal cords

Soft tissues More laxity More rigid

The trachel bifurcation is at T2 compared with an adult (T4)

Answer Statistics

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Average score: 74.02%

Times answered: 251