Which of the following predisposes to postoperative aspiration?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Depression of the cough and swallow reflexes by drugs can lead to reduced ability to protect the airway, increasing the risk of aspiration. Reduced pressure of the abdominal organs on the diaphragm (A) would not necessarily affect the risk of aspiration. Depression of the vomiting center by anesthetics and analgesics (B) may decrease the likelihood of vomiting, but does not necessarily increase aspiration risk. Lack of food intake for the previous 24 hours (D) may increase the risk of aspiration in the event of regurgitation, but is not as significant a risk factor as the depression of the protective reflexes by drugs.

Which of the Following Predisposes to Postoperative Aspiration