Apneic Oxygenation (ApOx) is best described as which of the following?

• A. Oxygen delivered via nasal cannula during preoxygenation before intubation
• B. Oxygen administered through high flow nasal cannula during intubation attempt for continuous oxygen into the airways during the procedure
• C. Oxygen delivered via bag-valve mask during resuscitation
• D. Oxygen delivered intravenously during anesthesia

Answer: (B)

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.