What is a common limitation of supraglottic airways?

• A. They do not provide protection against aspiration and are not definitive airways
• B. They are equally effective as endotracheal tubes in all patients
• C. They must be used with a surgical airway
• D. They travel with oxygen from nasal cavity

Answer: (A)

Supraglottic airways are designed for rapid, above-the-glottis ventilation, but their main limitation is that they do not reliably protect the lower airway from aspiration and are not definitive airways. Because they seal around the pharyngeal inlet rather than bypassing the larynx, secretions or gastric contents can still reach the trachea, especially in patients at risk for regurgitation. This is why they’re often used as a bridge or rescue device rather than a permanent solution; if ventilation fails or airway anatomy is difficult, you still may need to secure an endotracheal tube or perform a surgical airway. The statement about equal effectiveness to endotracheal tubes in all patients isn’t accurate, and they aren’t required to be used with a surgical airway. They also don’t travel with oxygen from the nasal cavity.