Emergency Endotracheal Intubation (EEI) Airway Practice Test

Apneic Oxygenation means delivering oxygen to the airway while the patient is not ventilating, so oxygen remains available in the lungs during the apnea that occurs during intubation. Using a high-flow nasal cannula during the intubation attempt provides a continuous, heated, humidified oxygen supply at a high rate. This flow flushes the dead space and creates a mild positive airway pressure, allowing oxygen to diffuse into the alveoli even when there’s no active breathing. The result is a longer safe window before desaturation occurs, which is especially helpful during difficult or prolonged intubations. This is different from preoxygenation before the procedure, bag-valve mask ventilation during resuscitation, or intravenous oxygen—none of which describe the continuous oxygen delivery into the airways during the apnea period.