What risk is associated with not ramping during intubation?

Not ramping the patient during intubation is associated with decreased functional reserve capacity. Ramping, or positioning the patient to optimize their airway anatomy, promotes better alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes. This alignment is crucial for facilitating a successful intubation and maintaining adequate ventilation.

When a patient is not properly ramped, their anatomical structures may be misaligned, which can lead to a more difficult intubation process. This misalignment can compromise the patient’s ability to maintain an adequate functional reserve capacity, which is the volume of air left in the lungs after normal expiration. Decreased functional reserve capacity can make it harder for the patient to tolerate apneic periods during intubation, increasing the risk of hypoxia and other related complications.

Effective intubation techniques aim to maximize oxygenation and minimize procedural difficulties; hence, understanding the importance of patient positioning through ramping is critical for ensuring the best possible outcomes during airway management.