Following an explosion at a petrochemical plant, casualties present with burns and blast injuries. You identify a patient with soot around the nose an...

Question

Following an explosion at a petrochemical plant, casualties present with burns and blast injuries. You identify a patient with soot around the nose and mouth, hoarseness, and stridor. In the first 24 hours following inhalation injury, what is the primary cause of airway compromise?

Accepted Answer

Upper airway oedema from thermal injury to the supraglottic structures - the larynx and above swell progressively over 12-24 hours

Answer

Lower airway bronchospasm from chemical irritation

Answer

Circumferential neck burns causing external compression

Answer

Pulmonary oedema from alveolar damage

Answer

Carbon monoxide poisoning causing CNS depression

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Inhalation Injury - Early Airway

Following an explosion at a petrochemical plant, casualties present with burns and blast injuries. You identify a patient with soot around the nose and mouth, hoarseness, and stridor. In the first 24 hours following inhalation injury, what is the primary cause of airway compromise?