TYK31
Indications for early endotracheal intubation in burn patients include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Oropharyngeal burns
B. Full thickness circumferential neck burns
C. Stridor
D. Bronchospasm
E. Depressed mental status
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Indications for early endotracheal intubation in burn patients include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Oropharyngeal burns
B. Full thickness circumferential neck burns
C. Stridor
D. Bronchospasm
E. Depressed mental status
The correct answer is D. Bronchospasm is common after smoke exposure. Although it may signal significant smoke exposure, it is not an indication for intubation in isolation. In fact, intubation may make bronchospasm worse. [1]
Kudchadkar SR, Hamrick JT, Mai CL, Berkowitz I, Tunkel D. The heat is on... thermal epiglottitis as a late presentation of airway steam injury. J Emerg Med. 2014 Feb;46(2):e43-6.