Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is used for:

Appeared in: NORCET 9 Mains - 2025

Explanation

The LMA is a versatile supraglottic airway device used across different clinical settings.
It serves as a primary airway for many short surgical procedures under general anesthesia because it is less invasive than an endotracheal tube.
It is a critical rescue device in difficult airway situations where endotracheal intubation is unsuccessful.
It is recognized as an effective advanced airway in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), allowing for rapid and reliable ventilation.
Because all the listed options are correct and common indications, 'All of the above' is the most complete answer.

Option A: This is a correct indication for LMA use, but it is not the only one. Therefore, it is an incomplete answer.
Option B: This is a very common use for an LMA, but it is not the only one. This answer choice omits its critical role in emergency airway management.
Option C: This is a correct indication, but it is not the only one. This answer choice ignores its frequent use in routine anesthesia and difficult airway management.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indications for Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) use as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be familiar with LMA sizes, preparation (cuff check, lubrication), and assist during insertion. Post-insertion, monitoring for effective ventilation (chest rise, capnography) and potential complications like air leaks or gastric insufflation is a key nursing role.
What if? If the patient has a high risk of aspiration (e.g., a full stomach, severe GERD, or bowel obstruction), an LMA is generally contraindicated. A cuffed endotracheal tube provides superior protection against aspiration and would be the preferred airway in such cases.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: What are the clinical indications for using an LMA?
Evaluate each option individually based on your knowledge of airway management devices.
Recognize that Option A (difficult intubation) is a valid use, as confirmed by difficult airway algorithms.
Recognize that Option B (short surgical procedures) is a very common use in anesthesia.
Recognize that Option C (CPR) is a valid use according to resuscitation guidelines.
When you determine that multiple options are correct, look for an 'All of the above' or 'None of the above' option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 115-117

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