Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

When would the anesthesia provider request cricoid pressure?

1. Bier block

2. Epidural injection

3. Endotracheal intubation

4. Endotracheal extubation

The correct answer is: Endotracheal intubation

The anesthesia provider would request cricoid pressure during endotracheal intubation to prevent regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents. This maneuver, also known as the Sellick maneuver, involves applying pressure to the cricoid cartilage, which effectively compresses the esophagus and reduces the likelihood of stomach contents entering the airway during intubation. During intubation, it is critical to ensure that the airway is protected, particularly in patients with a full stomach or those at high risk for aspiration. By applying cricoid pressure, the provider tries to keep the airway clear and minimize the risk of complications that could arise from aspiration. The other scenarios mentioned, such as a Bier block, epidural injection, and endotracheal extubation, do not typically involve the same risk of aspiration that necessitates cricoid pressure. Therefore, it is specifically the context of endotracheal intubation that leads the anesthesia provider to employ this technique for optimal safety.