There are a number of tests available and they are most effective when used in combination.

Not all patients who are predicted to be difficult will turn out to be.

Almost everyone who is predicted to be easy will be easy.

The incidence of failed intubation in obstetric patients is 10 times higher than the rest of the population.

Question: What are the five simple airway tests which can all be performed in under 1 minute?

Answer: The five simple airway tests are:

• Mallampati test
• Number of fingers patient can get between upper and lower incisors
• Assess range of movement of the head and neck from full flexion to extension
• Assess jaw slide by asking patient to push their lower jaw forward
• Assess mandibular size and submandibular space by feeling between the thyroid cartilage and the chin