What does the LEMON mnemonic assess in airway evaluation?

• A. Look Evaluate Mallampati Obstruction Neck Mobility
• B. Look Evaluate Mallampati Obstruction Neck Flexion
• C. Look Evaluate Mallampati Obstruction Nose Mobility
• D. Look Evaluate Mallampati Obstruction Neck Extension

Answer: (A)

LEMON is a quick airway assessment tool used to predict how difficult intubation might be. The Look externally part means inspecting the face and neck for signs that could complicate airway access, such as trauma, deformity, or limited jaw opening. The Evaluate Mallampati part refers to using the Mallampati classification to estimate how much of the airway you can see when the patient opens their mouth and sticks out the tongue; a higher class suggests a potentially harder laryngoscopy. The Obstruction part is about identifying any blockage from edema, secretions, masses, or foreign bodies that could impede airflow or visualization. The Neck mobility part assesses the ability to move the head and neck; limited mobility can hinder proper alignment of the airway axes during intubation, increasing difficulty. The other options mix in neck flexion, neck extension, or nose mobility, which aren’t components of the LEMON mnemonic.