Paramedic National Registry Practice

What factor most influences the decision to intubate a patient with burns to the face and neck?

1. Extent of burns

2. Mechanism of Injury

3. Patient’s age

4. Presence of wheezing

The correct answer is: Mechanism of Injury

The mechanism of injury plays a crucial role in the decision to intubate a patient with facial and neck burns. When evaluating a patient who has sustained burns in these areas, the specific circumstances of the injury provide essential context regarding potential airway compromise. For instance, burns can cause swelling and inflammation, leading to the risk of airway obstruction. If the mechanism of injury involves exposure to smoke or fumes, this could result in inhalation injuries. Such injuries may not become apparent immediately, but they can severely compromise the airway as edema develops and the airway narrows. Therefore, understanding how the burns occurred can inform healthcare providers about the likelihood of airway complications and guide the decision-making process regarding intubation. While other factors, such as the extent of burns, patient's age, and presence of wheezing, are important in their own right, they do not provide as direct a correlation to the immediate risk of airway obstruction as the mechanism of injury. The mechanism gives insight into the potential for both direct thermal damage and secondary complications, which are critical in making timely and life-saving decisions regarding airway management.