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Difficult Mask Ventilation Predictors — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModerateAirway ManagementDifficult Mask Ventilation PredictorsFRCA Final

Which clinical finding most reliably predicts difficult mask ventilation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: EHistory of snoring or OSA

Independent predictors: BMI >26, age >55, beard, edentulous, snoring/OSA, Mallampati III-IV. Snoring/OSA is among the strongest — indicates pharyngeal collapsibility under reduced muscle tone. Being edentulous causes difficulty (leave dentures in during mask ventilation).

Reference: Association of Anaesthetists – 2023 – Predicting and managing the difficult airway