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Threatened airway from angioedema — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardResuscitation, procedures, airwayThreatened airway from angioedemaRCPSC EM

A 54-year-old man with angioedema from an ACE inhibitor has rapidly progressive tongue swelling. He is sitting upright, drooling, speaking in single words, and SpO2 is 92% on high-flow oxygen. Anaesthesia is 20 minutes away and the cricothyroid membrane is palpable. What is the most appropriate next step?

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

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Correct answer: C — Prepare for awake fibreoptic or video-assisted intubation with a double set-up for front-of-neck access

Impending upper-airway obstruction from angioedema is a predicted difficult airway. The safest ED approach is expert help, awake technique where feasible, and immediate readiness for surgical airway.

Reference: ACLS/ATLS/PALS principles adapted to Canadian ED practice