Question

What is the most appropriate next step in managing a 39-year-old man who is admitted to the emergency department after an automobile collision, is cyanotic, has insufficient respiratory effort, and has a GCS score of 6, but has a full beard that makes it difficult to fit the oxygen facemask to his face? 1) Remove the patient's beard to facilitate oxygenation 2) Attempt to fit the oxygen facemask as best as possible without removing the beard 3) Perform an emergent cricothyrotomy 4) Administer intravenous corticosteroids

Answer 1

Perform an emergent cricothyrotomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate next step in managing a 39-year-old man who is cyanotic, has insufficient respiratory effort, and has a difficultly fitting an oxygen facemask due to his full beard would be to perform an emergent cricothyrotomy. A cricothyrotomy involves making an incision through the skin and cricothyroid membrane to establish an airway. In this situation, where the patient is struggling to breathe and the usual oxygen delivery methods are not feasible, a cricothyrotomy is the fastest and most effective way to secure an airway.

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