In inhalation injury, what is a key element of the airway management plan?

• A. Early airway assessment and plan for potential intubation; high-flow oxygen and humidified air.
• B. Avoid oxygen therapy to prevent dryness.
• C. Wait for clinical deterioration before acting.
• D. Rely on bronchodilators alone.

Answer: (C)

Inhalation injury can cause rapid mucosal swelling that narrows or blocks the airway, so the airway plan must be proactive rather than reactive. Early airway assessment and a plan for potential intubation allow you to secure the airway before edema makes a difficult or failed intubation more likely, which helps prevent hypoxia and airway collapse. Providing high-flow, humidified oxygen supports gas exchange, keeps secretions thin, and reduces mucosal drying, all of which help protect the airway. Oxygen should be given, and bronchodilators alone won’t prevent airway obstruction from edema. Waiting for clinical deterioration puts the patient at high risk of a worsening airway that becomes much harder to manage emergently.