OLV Hypoxaemia Management — FRCA Final MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateCardiothoracic AnaesthesiaOLV Hypoxaemia ManagementFRCA Final

During OLV for left thoracotomy, SpO2 88% despite FiO2 1.0. Best first-line intervention?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — CPAP 5 cmH2O to collapsed operative lung

OLV hypoxaemia first-line: CPAP 5-10 cmH2O to non-ventilated lung provides passive oxygenation without majorly impeding surgery. Check DLT position with FOB (malposition is most common fixable cause). PEEP to ventilated lung second-line.

Reference: RCOA – 2023 – OLV hypoxaemia management