A nurse is assessing an endotracheal tube and needs to press the cricoid. This technique is known as:

Appeared in: NORCET 7 Prelims -2024

Explanation

The Sellick maneuver, also known as cricoid pressure, involves applying firm backward pressure on the cricoid cartilage.
This action compresses the esophagus against the cervical vertebrae.
Its primary purpose is to prevent the passive regurgitation of gastric contents into the pharynx and subsequent aspiration into the lungs during intubation.
It can also help improve the practitioner's view of the vocal cords, facilitating easier tube placement.

Option B: The Valsalva maneuver is the act of forced expiration against a closed glottis. It is not used to prevent aspiration during intubation.
Option C: The Trendelenburg position is a specific patient position (head down, feet up), not a manual technique applied to the neck.
Option D: The Heimlich maneuver consists of abdominal thrusts to dislodge a foreign object from the airway.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Airway management techniques during endotracheal intubation helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
The nurse's role in assisting with intubation is critical. Correctly applying the Sellick maneuver when directed can be a life-saving intervention to prevent aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication.
It is crucial for the nurse to know the correct anatomical landmark (the cricoid cartilage, which is a complete ring below the thyroid cartilage) and to apply firm, not excessive, pressure.
What if? If the patient begins to actively vomit during the intubation attempt, cricoid pressure should be released to prevent esophageal rupture. The patient should then be turned to the side and suctioned immediately.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key action in the question stem: 'press the cricoid'.
Recognize that this action is related to airway management during a procedure like endotracheal intubation.
Review the options and recall the definition for each term.
Match the action of pressing the cricoid cartilage with its correct medical term.
Eliminate the other options by identifying their distinct and different purposes (e.g., Heimlich for choking, Valsalva for pressure changes, Trendelenburg for patient positioning).

Concept Tested & Keywords

QJLHK5SWahzsmCTZ9QYizs

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 116-118

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 96-98

Practise the full NORCET 7 Prelims -2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.