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Paediatric URI Elective Surgery Decision — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModeratePaediatric AnaesthesiaPaediatric URI Elective Surgery DecisionFRCA Final

A 5-year-old child with a known difficult airway and a cold (clear rhinorrhoea, no fever, no wheeze) is listed for elective strabismus repair. The most appropriate decision is:

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Correct answer: E — Proceed with LMA and sevoflurane if child is otherwise well

Mild URI (clear rhinorrhoea, no fever/wheeze/productive cough) in elective paediatric surgery: proceed with caution. Use LMA (reduces airway irritation vs ETT), avoid desflurane, ensure adequate depth before airway instrumentation. Cancel if: productive cough, fever >38.5°C, wheeze, reduced SpO2, malaise. Postpone 2-4 weeks (not 6) if cancelled.

Reference: APAGBI – 2023 – URI and paediatric anaesthesia: decision framework