A 32-year-old man with severe head injury requires intubation. Triage acuity is ESI 1; BP 118/72 mm Hg, HR 104/min, SpO2 96% after preoxygenation.

Question

A 32-year-old man with severe head injury requires intubation. Triage acuity is ESI 1; BP 118/72 mm Hg, HR 104/min, SpO2 96% after preoxygenation. GCS is 6 and he has intact gag reflex. Cervical collar is in place. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Perform rapid sequence intubation with cervical spine precautions

Answer

Perform blind finger sweep

Answer

Delay airway until spontaneous improvement

Answer

Use procedural sedation without paralysis despite full stomach

Answer

Place a nasopharyngeal airway as definitive airway

Rapid sequence intubation — ABEM Board MCQ

A 32-year-old man with severe head injury requires intubation. Triage acuity is ESI 1; BP 118/72 mm Hg, HR 104/min, SpO2 96% after preoxygenation. GCS is 6 and he has intact gag reflex. Cervical collar is in place. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?