Table 1

Screening checklist used to determine the patient's suitability for extubation

Question	Answer
1. Awake and alert with cerebral function adequate for patient co-operation or equivalent preoperative state of consciousness?	Yes/no
2. Haemodynamic stability (lack of vasopressor support and mean arterial pressure within 10–15% of baseline)?	Yes/no
3. Adequate recovery of muscle strength?	Yes/no
4. Normal tidal volumes, normocapnia (end-tidal carbon dioxide 30–45 mm Hg), minimum pulse oximetry >95% with FiO₂ 0.5?	Yes/no
5. Intact gag reflex and swallow function (presence of clearly audible cough during suctioning)?	Yes/no

The answer to all questions must be “yes” in order for extubation to be approved.
FiO₂, fraction of inspired oxygen.