Q: Which of the following is the risk factor for post-extubation larngeal edema?

A) Male gender
B) Prolonged intubation (>14 days)
C) Undersized endotracheal tubes
D) Self extubation
E) Cuff leak less than 50%


Answer: D

Some of the risk factors of post-extubation laryngeal edema are traumatic intubation, female gender, prolonged intubation of >7 days, oversized endotracheal tubes, self extubation and a leak of less than 30% of the administered tidal volume upon deflation of the endotracheal tube cuff.