A 34-year-old male who was trapped in a burning building for several minutes has been brought to the emergency department. Upon arrival, the patient presents with hoarseness, singed nasal hairs, soot around the mouth and nose, and stridor. What is the next most appropriate step in the management of this patient?
The correct answer is 'Prepare for early intubation.' Inhalation injuries can quickly lead to airway obstruction due to edema. Given the signs of airway involvement, including hoarseness, stridor, and soot in the airways, early intubation is crucial to secure the airway and prevent rapid deterioration. Administering heated humidified oxygen can help in managing inhalation injuries but is not the immediate priority when signs of airway compromise are present. Administering corticosteroids has not been shown to be beneficial in acute management and can be detrimental. A complete bronchoscopy can provide detailed assessment but should not delay securing the airway through intubation when airway compromise is evident.
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