You are managing a 29-year-old male patient who was shot in the head. There is a gurgling noise in the airway. The patient is breathing spontaneously at 42 breaths per minute and has a heart rate of 110 and a systolic and diastolic pressure of 102/82. What airway intervention should be performed first on this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gurgling noise in the airway indicates the presence of a possible obstruction, which can be cleared by suctioning. Other airway interventions such as head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver, insertion of an oropharyngeal airway or endotracheal intubation can be performed once the airway is cleared. However, suctioning should be performed first to ensure adequate ventilation.

You Are Managing a 29-Year-Old Male Patient Who Was Shot