Sellick's maneuver is used to accomplish what during endotracheal intubation?

Sellick's maneuver is used to accomplish what during endotracheal intubation?

• A. Minimize aspiration risk during intubation
• B. Clear a foreign airway obstruction in an infant or child
• C. Position the head and neck for optimal glottic visualization during intubation
• D. Assist intubation via introduction of a guide wire through the cricothyroid membrane

Answer: (C)

Sellick's maneuver, or cricoid pressure, involves applying backward pressure on the cricoid cartilage to compress the esophagus against the vertebral bodies. The primary purpose is to prevent regurgitation of stomach contents and reduce the risk of aspiration during induction of anesthesia or rapid sequence intubation when the airway is being secured but the patient isn’t fully protected yet. It is not about positioning the head and neck for a better glottic view—that role comes from proper head and neck alignment and laryngoscopic technique. Cricoid pressure can sometimes complicate visualization if overapplied, and it’s not used to clear a foreign airway or to aid device insertion through the cricothyroid membrane.

Sellick's maneuver, or cricoid pressure, involves applying backward pressure on the cricoid cartilage to compress the esophagus against the vertebral bodies. The primary purpose is to prevent regurgitation of stomach contents and reduce the risk of aspiration during induction of anesthesia or rapid sequence intubation when the airway is being secured but the patient isn’t fully protected yet. It is not about positioning the head and neck for a better glottic view—that role comes from proper head and neck alignment and laryngoscopic technique. Cricoid pressure can sometimes complicate visualization if overapplied, and it’s not used to clear a foreign airway or to aid device insertion through the cricothyroid membrane.