Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Practice Exam

Which is a possible complication of improper intubation?

1. Hypoglycemia

2. Esophageal injury

3. Skin necrosis

4. Heart failure

The correct answer is: Esophageal injury

Improper intubation can lead to several serious complications, one of which is esophageal injury. During intubation, if the tube is incorrectly placed into the esophagus instead of the trachea, it can irritate or damage the esophageal lining. This injury can manifest as perforation, leading to significant morbidity, including infection, bleeding, or even mediastinitis if the perforation allows for the leakage of air or contents from the esophagus into the surrounding tissues. Other complications related to improper intubation involve positioning the endotracheal tube incorrectly, which could potentially obstruct the airway or cause issues relating to ventilation. However, these scenarios, while serious, do not specifically encapsulate the direct tissue damage associated with esophageal injury like option B does. The other options do not typically arise from improper intubation. For example, hypoglycemia relates to blood sugar levels and metabolic processes rather than airway management. Skin necrosis is more commonly associated with pressure injuries or vascular compromise rather than improper intubation. Heart failure involves systemic cardiovascular issues, which again are unrelated to the intubation process.