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Stridor Emergency Management — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePharmacology & TherapeuticsStridor Emergency ManagementORE Part 1

Immediately after a dental procedure, a patient develops inspiratory stridor and difficulty breathing. Which is the most appropriate immediate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Assess the airway, call 999, give choking first aid if obstructed, and give IM adrenaline if anaphylaxis is suspected

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as D

**A is correct.** Inspiratory stridor with breathing difficulty signifies possible upper-airway compromise and requires immediate airway assessment and activation of emergency services. In a dental setting, sudden onset should prompt consideration of foreign-body airway obstruction and anaphylaxis. If severe choking is identified, use the choking sequence of back blows then abdominal thrusts; if anaphylaxis is suspected, give IM adrenaline without delay and call 999. SDCEP specifically identifies stridor as a sign of airway compromise requiring immediate emergency medical care. Option B dangerously delays definitive care. Antibiotics (C) have no role in an acute airway emergency. Cricothyroidotomy (D) is not routine primary-dental-care management. GTN (E) does not treat airway obstruction or anaphylaxis.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Management of Acute Dental Problems: “Angioedema” (current web guidance). https://www.acutedentalproblems.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/management-of-oral-conditions/rare-oral-conditions/angioedema/