Question

A trauma patient presents to your emergency department with inspiratory stridor and a suspected c-spine injury. Oxygen saturation is 88% on high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. The most appropriate next step is to:

a. Administer racemic epinephrine.

b. Administer corticosteroids.

c. Perform emergent endotracheal intubation.

d. Administer nebulized albuterol

Answer 1

The most appropriate next step for a trauma patient with inspiratory stridor, a suspected c-spine injury, and low oxygen saturation is emergent endotracheal intubation to secure the airway and support breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

A trauma patient presenting with inspiratory stridor, a suspected c-spine injury, and an oxygen saturation of 88% on high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask necessitates quick and effective measures to secure the airway and improve oxygenation. In this instance, the most appropriate next step is to perform an emergent endotracheal intubation. This procedure involves placing a tube into the trachea to maintain the airway and enable ventilatory support. Considering the patient's trauma status and potential spine injury, immobilization during intubation is critical to avoid further cervical spine damage.

Inspiratory stridor is indicative of an obstructed airway, which in a trauma patient could be life-threatening if not quickly addressed. Endotracheal intubation is a common medical procedure in emergency settings where other treatments, like racemic epinephrine, corticosteroids, or nebulized albuterol, are less likely to be effective given the severity of symptoms and suspected cervical spine injury.