What is the purpose of a cuff leak test?

• A. To reduce cuff pressure
• B. To evaluate secretions clearance
• C. To measure cuff leak volume
• D. To assess risk of post-extubation airway edema

Answer: (D)

The cuff leak test is used to assess the risk of post-extubation airway edema by checking how much air leaks around the endotracheal tube when the cuff is deflated. A meaningful leak suggests the airway around the glottis is wide enough, while a small or absent leak indicates edema that could narrow the airway once the tube is removed, increasing the chance of stridor or obstruction after extubation. This information helps clinicians decide whether to delay extubation or treat swelling before removing the tube. The other options describe actions not aligned with the test’s main purpose: adjusting cuff pressure is a separate management step, and while the test involves measuring leak volume, its purpose is specifically to gauge edema risk rather than just quantify the leak.