Question

A gurgling sound in the upper airway indicates that ________.

1) the airway is occluded by the tongue
2) the glottic opening is swelling shut
3) the patient has subdural edema
4) the airway is partially occluded by fluid

Answer 1

A gurgling sound in the upper airway indicates that the airway is partially occluded by fluid.

Step-by-step explanation:

A gurgling sound in the upper airway indicates that the airway is partially occluded by fluid. Usually, during swallowing, the soft palate and uvula rise reflexively to close off the entrance to the nasopharynx. If there is fluid present in the airway, it can cause a gurgling sound as it partially obstructs the flow of air.