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Airway laser fire safety — FRCA Primary MCQ

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HardPhysics and Clinical MeasurementAirway laser fire safetyFRCA Primary

A laser is used for airway surgery with a tracheal tube in place. The team reduces inspired oxygen concentration and avoids nitrous oxide. What is the most important safety consideration?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Using a cuff inflated with air to improve compliance

Airway fire risk depends on the fire triad: fuel, oxidiser and ignition source. Reducing FiO2 and avoiding nitrous oxide minimise oxidiser concentration near the laser. Dry gauze and standard tubes can act as fuel. The pearl is that airway laser safety is a team process involving tube choice, cuff management and communication before laser activation.

Reference: RCoA Primary FRCA Syllabus 2026; Davis and Kenny Basic Physics and Measurement in Anaesthesia