[Verified Answer]: Tony, an 86-year-old weighing 140 lb, is…

Tony, an 86-year-old weighing 140 lb, is scheduled for a repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with general anesthesia. Tony’s mother died of an elevated temperature above 106°F during a routine hysterectomy when they were 6 years old. The patient had fluids for lunch less than four hours ago. The surgeon orders Cefotan IV 30 minutes prior to the incision. During intubation, the circulator is asked to provide pressure on the cricoid ring. What is this called, and why is it done?