0071643192.pdf

■ High larynx

■ Distance from the undersurface of the mandible to the laryngeal

prominence < 2 patient fingerbreadths

■ Upper airway obstruction

■ Epiglottitis, angioedema, neck hematoma/masses

RESUSCITATION

TABLE 1.1. Mallampati Score for Oral Access

CLASS VISIBLE ONMOUTHOPENING DIFFICULTYWITHORALACCESS

I Soft palate, uvula, fauces, tonsillar pillars None

II Soft palate, uvula, fauces None

III Soft palate, base of uvula Moderate

IV Hard palate only Severe

Class I Class II

Class III Class IV

Predictors of difficult

laryngoscopy and intubation

include:

Abnormal neck mobility

Limited mouth opening

Poor oral access

High larynx

Upper airway obstruction

FIGURE 1.1. Mallampati score for oral access.

(Reproduced, with permission, from Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS. Emergency

Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide, 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004:117.)