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Inhalational burn injury — FRCA Final MCQ

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HardTrauma and Emergency AnaesthesiaInhalational burn injuryFRCA Final

A 42-year-old woman is rescued from a house fire. She has facial burns, hoarse voice, carbonaceous sputum and increasing stridor. SpO2 is 96% on high-flow oxygen and carboxyhaemoglobin is 18%. What is the most appropriate anaesthetic technique?

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Correct answer: C — Perform early tracheal intubation by an experienced anaesthetist

Hoarseness, carbonaceous sputum and stridor after burn injury suggest inhalational injury with evolving airway oedema. Early controlled tracheal intubation is safer than delayed rescue after swelling progresses. Oxygen saturation can be misleading with carbon monoxide exposure and does not exclude severe airway injury. High-flow oxygen remains essential while preparing the airway.

Reference: British Burn Association guidance; ATLS guidance