Which of the following is an indication for intubation in the adult airway assessment protocol?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Risk for failure of oxygenation or ventilation
• C. Seizures
• D. Allergic reaction

Answer: (B)

The key idea is securing the airway when there is a high risk that oxygenation or ventilation will fail. When you anticipate that a patient may not be able to maintain adequate oxygen levels or effectively ventilate on their own—due to respiratory depression, fatigue, altered mental status, airway obstruction, or severe airway edema—you intubate to protect and secure the airway and to facilitate controlled ventilation.

Hypotension by itself isn’t an indication to intubate, though it can complicate the process. Seizures may require airway protection if they impair airway control, but that’s not the standard indication on its own. An allergic reaction can threaten the airway, but the protocol centers on the risk of failure to oxygenate or ventilate rather than a single presenting symptom.