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Sedation Upper Airway Obstruction — FRCA Final MCQ

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HardAirway ManagementSedation Upper Airway ObstructionFRCA Final

A patient with a large pharyngeal tumour causing oropharyngeal obstruction needs tracheostomy under LA. Which sedation is most dangerous?

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

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Correct answer: D — Propofol TCI sedation doses

Critical oropharyngeal obstruction: propofol TCI most dangerous — predictably reduces pharyngeal muscle tone, can convert partial to complete obstruction. Dexmedetomidine preserves respiratory drive = safest pharmacological option. LA alone is safest overall.

Reference: DAS – 2025 – Sedation in upper airway obstruction