eISSN 2097-6046
ISSN 2096-7446
CN 10-1655/R
Responsible Institution:China Association for Science and Technology
Sponsor:Chinese Nursing Association

Chinese Journal of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing ›› 2026, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (9): 1140-1149.doi: 10.3761/j.issn.2096-7446.2026.09.019

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Difficult airway related risk assessment tools in ICU patients:a scoping review

ZHANG Yuping1(), TANG Jiaying2, WANG Dongxue3, JI Jianguang3, SHI Qingyu4,*()   

  1. 1 Department of Nursingthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, China
    2 Emergency Intensive Care Unitthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, China
    3 Faculty of MedicineUniversity of MacauMacao SAR 999078, China
    4 Department of Anesthesiologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, China
  • Received:2026-04-30 Online:2026-09-10 Published:2026-08-31
  • Contact: * SHI Qingyu,E-mail:shiqinyu_001@zju.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Special Project for Epidemic Prevention and Control by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education(Y202043482)

Abstract:

Objective To conduct a scoping review on difficult airway related risk assessment tools for ICU adult patients,systematically categorize their types,current applications,and characteristics,and provide references for clinical risk identification and management. Methods A scoping review method was employed,with searches conducted in PubMed,Web of Science,CINAHL,Cochrane Library,CNKI,and Wanfang databases from inception to April 20th,2026. Two researchers independently performed literature screening and data extraction,followed by integrated analysis of the included studies. Results A total of 18 articles were included. Current risk assessment tools primarily included scale-based scoring or grading tools,structured clinical evaluations,and imaging devices or bedside tests. Different tools varied in terms of assessment objectives,implementation timing,cutoff value,and predictive efficacy. Conclusion There are various risk assessment tools for difficult airways in ICU patients,which are mainly applied to pre-intubation,peri-intubation,and extubation risk assessment. Clinically,the appropriate tool should be selected for phased,dynamic assessment based on the patient’s primary risks,the timing of evaluation,and bedside conditions.

Key words: Intensive Care Units, Difficult Airway, Reintubation Difficulty, Assessment Tools, Scoping Review