Which mnemonic is used to predict difficult intubation?

The mnemonic LEMON is widely used to predict difficult intubation, and it encompasses key anatomical and clinical factors that are predictive of airway challenges.

LEMON stands for:

• L: Look externally - This refers to the observation of the patient's facial anatomy, including the presence of a large tongue or unusual facial features that may hinder visualization during intubation.

• E: Evaluate the 3-3-2 rule - This rule assesses mouth opening (3 finger breadths), the distance from the hyoid bone to the chin (3 finger breadths), and the distance from the thyroid notch to the floor of the mouth (2 finger breadths). These measurements help gauge the airway space and potential difficulties.

• M: Mallampati score - This score classifies the visibility of oropharyngeal structures and serves as a reliable indicator of difficulty in obtaining a clear view during intubation.

• O: Obstruction - This considers factors like the presence of masses or swelling that can obstruct the airway.

• N: Neck mobility - The range of motion of the neck is assessed since limited movement can pose challenges during intubation procedures.

Using LEMON systematically can