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Inhalation injury from burn — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateTraumaInhalation injury from burnABEM Board

A 30-year-old man arrives as ESI 2 after a house fire with facial burns and soot in the mouth. BP 126/80, HR 118, RR 28, SpO2 96% on nonrebreather. His voice is hoarse and he has singed nasal hairs. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?

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

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Correct answer: B — Perform early endotracheal intubation

Thermal inhalation injury can rapidly progress to airway edema; hoarseness and soot warrant early airway control.

Reference: American Burn Association referral criteria; ATLS 10th edition