Question

Your adult patient was involved in a structure fire and received possible airway burns. The patient complains of shortness of breath, but there are no obvious burns noted in his oropharynx. However, his dyspnea fails to improve after several minutes of high-flow oxygen therapy, and his lung sounds reveal a grating sound during equal inspiration/exhalation.

Which of the following should you suspect?

A. A loss of pulmonary surfactant

B. Bronchoconstriction

C. Fluid accumulation in the small airways

D. Associated rib fracture

Answer 1

The grating sound heard during equal inspiration/exhalation suggests the presence of pleural friction rub, which is typically caused by inflammation of the pleura.

Step-by-step explanation:

The grating sound heard during equal inspiration/exhalation suggests the presence of pleural friction rub, which is typically caused by inflammation of the pleura (the lining of the lungs). In this case, the possible airway burns from the structure fire may have caused inflammation and irritation of the pleura. This can lead to the development of pleurisy, which can cause a grating sound during breathing. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Fluid accumulation in the small airways.