Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

Rapid sequence induction
In patients deemed to be at increased risk for aspiration, the time between inducing anesthesia
and securing the airway with a cuffed endotracheal tube must be minimized. Such a technique
is termed a “rapid sequence induction”.
A rapid sequence induction is performed as follows:
1. Suction apparatus is checked and kept readily available.
2. Pre-oxygenation of patient with 100% oxygen for 3-5 minutes.
3. Application of cricoid pressure (Sellick’s maneuver) by assistant.
4. Induction with pre-calculated dose of induction agent followed immediately by intubating
dose of depolarizing muscle relaxant (succinylcholine). A rapidly acting nondepolarizing
agent (e.g. rocuronium) is commonly substituted in a so-called “modified”
rapid sequence induction.
5. Intubation of trachea, cuff inflation and verification of proper tube position.
Related Glossary Terms
Aspiration, Clear fluids, Cricoid cartilage, Induction, Intubation, Rocuronium, Sellick’s maneuver,
Stylet, Succinylcholine
Index
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Chapter 2 - Pre-operative Evaluation
Chapter 3 - General Anesthesia
Chapter 5 - Obstetrical Anesthesia
Chapter 5 - Obstetrical Anesthesia
Chapter 6 - Muscle Relaxants
Chapter 6 - Muscle Relaxants