Effectual Postoperative Airway Management as the Product of Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment and Monitoring: A Narrative Review of Current Trends

Pre-anaesthetic assessment and monitoring are critical, lifesaving components of perioperative care, particularly for patients with acute respiratory compromise in whom swift and effective securing of the airway is paramount. Although airway management is routine, tracheal intubation still carries a significant risk of complications, and effectual postoperative airway management depends substantially on the quality of pre-anaesthetic assessment and the continuity of monitoring. This review examines effectual postoperative airway management as the product of pre-anaesthetic assessment and monitoring, clarifying the underlying concepts, appraising current technological trends, and considering the implications for nursing practice. A narrative review methodology was adopted, in which peer-reviewed articles and reports were systematically retrieved and critically analysed. Telemedicine, artificial intelligence, point-of-care ultrasound, genetic testing, and wearable devices are emerging trends that enhance pre-anaesthetic assessment and monitoring and, in turn, postoperative airway outcomes. These innovations should be integrated into the nursing curriculum and supported by continuous professional training to strengthen nurses' service delivery and improve perioperative outcomes. Health system administrators should also formulate user-friendly, cost-effective policies that promote optimal uptake of these technologies among nurses, patients, and other members of the healthcare team.