طب اورژانس

.    Which of the following is considered unreliable for assessing the need to establish an artificial airway?

    1: Absence of a gag reflex

    2: Patient’s ability to phonate

    3: Level of consciousness

    4: Pooling of secretions in the oropharynx

    5: Absence of swallowing on command

Correct Answer: 1

     The gag reflex can be absent in up to 25% of normal adults. Moreover, there is no evidence that the presence or absence of a gag reflex corresponds to a patient’s ability to protect his or her airway. It should therefore not be used as an indicator of the need for intubation.