Anesthesia Difficult airway Mnemonic
Difficult intubation evaluation = LEMON
- Look externally
- Evaluate 3-3-2 rule
- Mallampati score
- Obstruction
- Neck Mobility
Difficult BVM = BONES
- Beard
- Obese
- No teeth
- Elderly
- Sleep Apnea / Snoring
Difficult LMA = RODS
- Restricted mouth opening
- Obstruction
- Distorted airway
- Stiff lungs or c-spine
Difficult surgical airway = SHORT
- Surgery
- Hematoma
- Obesity
- Radiation distortion or other deformity
- Tumor
For more anesthesiology mnemonics check this mnemonic book.
This post covers the points you need to know for your board exams as well as for teaching residents on the daily rounds. Medical professionals can't use the information here to treat their patients nor people can use the information her to treat themselves. If you are having any medical issues, contact your local emergency services or your primary care provider. Please refer to your doctor for medical advice.