An adult with a one day history of sore throat and stridor is tachypnoeic (respiratory rate 40 breaths/min), sweaty, anxious and drooling. He is using accessory muscles of respirat... An adult with a one day history of sore throat and stridor is tachypnoeic (respiratory rate 40 breaths/min), sweaty, anxious and drooling. He is using accessory muscles of respiration and is beginning to show signs of exhaustion. The most appropriate immediate course of action is: a) Rapid sequence induction, direct laryngoscopy and intubation b) Cricothyrotomy c) Sedation and insertion of a laryngeal mask d) Bag-valve-mask ventilation with 100% oxygen e) Spontaneous breathing of 100% oxygen via bag-valve resuscitator, call for specialist help and prepare equipment for intubation
Understand the Problem
The question provides a clinical scenario involving an adult patient with severe respiratory distress and asks for the most appropriate immediate action to take in this emergency situation.
Answer
Cricothyrotomy.
The most appropriate immediate course of action is cricothyrotomy.
Answer for screen readers
The most appropriate immediate course of action is cricothyrotomy.
More Information
In cases of severe airway obstruction, such as when the patient is showing signs of exhaustion and is unable to maintain an airway, an emergency cricothyrotomy is recommended. This procedure provides a direct and rapid airway route.
Tips
A common mistake is to attempt intubation, which can be unsuccessful and time-consuming, potentially aggravating the situation.
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