What does rapid sequence intubation (RSI) involve?

Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a medical procedure that focuses on quickly securing the airway of a patient, especially in emergency situations where the patient may not be able to maintain their own airway due to unconsciousness or severe illness. This technique involves the use of sedative and paralytic medications to facilitate endotracheal intubation while minimizing the risk of aspiration and ensuring the procedure is as swift and safe as possible.

The sedatives are administered to achieve rapid unconsciousness, while paralytics are used to induce muscle relaxation, preventing any movement that could complicate the intubation process. This combination allows for a controlled environment for the healthcare provider to insert a tube into the trachea, ensuring that the patient's airway is secured and ventilation can be maintained.

Other options do not align with the specific definition of RSI. Immediate CPR focuses on reviving a patient in cardiac arrest rather than securing the airway through intubation. Administering IV fluids quickly is generally unrelated to airway management specifically, and delivering oxygen through a mask, while important for patient care, does not involve the invasive procedure of intubation that RSI entails. Thus, the emphasis on sedatives and paralytics to secure the airway is what makes the correct choice accurate