Which sign indicates airway involvement in burn patients?

Which sign indicates airway involvement in burn patients?

• A. Facial burns
• B. Stridor
• C. Wheezing
• D. Hoarseness

Answer: (A)

Airway involvement in burn patients is signaled by signs of upper airway obstruction. Stridor is the most direct indicator because it reflects narrowing of the larynx or trachea from edema or inhalation injury, meaning the airway is currently compromised. Hoarseness can occur with edema of the vocal cords and points to airway irritation, but it isn’t as immediately revealing of obstruction as stridor. Wheezing suggests lower airway involvement or bronchospasm rather than a primary upper airway blockage. Facial burns raise concern for inhalation injury and potential edema developing, so they warrant close monitoring and prep for possible airway support, but they are not a direct sign of established airway obstruction.

Airway involvement in burn patients is signaled by signs of upper airway obstruction. Stridor is the most direct indicator because it reflects narrowing of the larynx or trachea from edema or inhalation injury, meaning the airway is currently compromised. Hoarseness can occur with edema of the vocal cords and points to airway irritation, but it isn’t as immediately revealing of obstruction as stridor. Wheezing suggests lower airway involvement or bronchospasm rather than a primary upper airway blockage. Facial burns raise concern for inhalation injury and potential edema developing, so they warrant close monitoring and prep for possible airway support, but they are not a direct sign of established airway obstruction.