Question

Which of the following would be most important when attempting to ventilate a patient with facial trauma?

A. Have a suctioning device close by in case significant blood or vomit needs to be suctioned out of the airway
B. Consider a tracheotomy in the field if facial trauma is excessive and bleeding and swelling are present
C. Tilt the head back to properly ventilate the patient
D. Establish a nasal airway immediately

Answer 1

When ventilating a patient with facial trauma, the priority is to have a suctioning device ready to clear any obstructions like blood or vomit from the airway, allowing for proper ventilation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important consideration when attempting to ventilate a patient with facial trauma is to have a suctioning device close by in case significant blood or vomit needs to be suctioned out of the airway. Facial trauma can cause bleeding or swelling that may obstruct the airway, and the presence of blood or vomit can severely complicate the airway management. Suctioning helps keep the airway clear, allowing for proper ventilation.

While tilting the head back and establishing a nasal airway are also important steps, they are less immediately critical than ensuring the airway is clear of obstructions. Performing a tracheotomy in the field requires specific training and should normally be done in a hospital setting unless absolutely necessary in extreme cases where other airway management techniques have failed and advanced medical care is not immediately available.