skip to main content

Inhalational airway burn — DIPIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModeratePre-Hospital TraumaInhalational airway burnDIPIMCDipIMC

A man is rescued from a smoke-filled room in a house fire. He has a hoarse voice, singed nasal hairs, soot in the mouth and oropharynx, facial burns and developing inspiratory stridor.

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Secure the airway early in anticipation of rapid obstruction and give high-flow oxygen

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E

Hoarseness, stridor, soot and singed nasal hairs are markers of an inhalational airway injury, where progressive mucosal oedema can close the airway within a short time, so early definitive airway control and high-flow oxygen take priority. Fluid resuscitation (B) matters but does not come before a threatened airway, and cooling (C) must not delay airway management. Secure the airway before oedema makes it impossible.

Reference: JRCALC Clinical Guidelines; NICE NG39