Apneic oxygenation during intubation is best described as which practice?

• A. High-flow oxygen after sedation.
• B. Oxygen delivery during apnea to extend safe intubation window.
• C. Ventilating with bag-valve mask during apnea.
• D. Administering oxygen at 100% via endotracheal tube.

Answer: (B)

Apneic oxygenation is delivering oxygen during the apneic interval of intubation to extend the time before desaturation occurs. Even when a patient isn’t actively breathing, continued oxygen flow (such as from a nasal cannula or high-flow system) can diffuse into the alveoli and maintain oxygenation as you secure the airway. This technique buys time for a successful intubation without turning to active ventilation during the apnea phase, which can complicate the procedure. It’s different from simply ventilating with a bag-valve mask during the apnea period, which involves active airflow and can hinder visualization and the intubation process. It’s also not about delivering oxygen at 100% via an endotracheal tube, since the tube isn’t in place yet. In short, the practice is oxygen delivery during apnea to extend the safe window for intubation.