Apart from being a ubiquitous part of the ICU househould, the ETT seems to be a regular favourite of the CICM examiners. Its features are frequently asked about in the written papers and the vivas. One example of this is Question 30.1 from the second paper of 2013, "List six design features of a standard endotracheal tube which improve its safety". Another question (Question 28.2 from the first paper of 2011) asks about the above-cuff suction port. Question 18.2 from the first paper of 2008 also asks the candidate to estimate a paediatric tube size. This is a brief exam-oriented summary, shaved down to naked point form. A more indepth discussion of the ETT is available in the massive and excessively detailed chapter dedicated to this device.
This is examined in Question 18.2 from the first paper of 2008.
There are actually several methods to guide ETT selection in children:
The formula quoted by the college is also the one they teach you in the APLS course, so perhaps it has been locally accepted as the right formula for any young Australian larynx.
That formula is:
Actually there are few real hard contraindications to intubation.
Question 30.1 from the second paper of 2013 asked for six of these.
King, Brent R., et al. "Endotracheal tube selection in children: a comparison of four methods." Annals of emergency medicine 22.3 (1993): 530-534.
Duracher, Caroline, et al. "Evaluation of cuffed tracheal tube size predicted using the Khine formula in children." Pediatric Anesthesia 18.2 (2008): 113-118.
Davis, D. I. A. N. E., L. Barbee, and D. Ririe. "Pediatric endotracheal tube selection: a comparison of age-based and height-based criteria." AANA journal66 (1998): 299-303.
Souza, Carolina Ramos de, and Vivian Taciana Simioni Santana. "Impact of supra-cuff suction on ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention." Revista brasileira de terapia intensiva 24.4 (2012): 401-406.
DePew, Charlotte L., and Mary S. McCarthy. "Subglottic secretion drainage: a literature review." AACN advanced critical care 18.4 (2007): 366-379.