Bubbling Air in Surgery — 28yo Man | Trauma Surgery | SMLE Q#1313
SMLE Question #1313
Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRM-AIRWAY-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 28-year-old man presents after a knife stab to the anterior neck. He is alert, speaks in short phrases, and has worsening dyspnea. Examination shows an open anterior neck wound with bubbling air, crepitus, and rapidly expanding subcutaneous emphysema. What is the most appropriate immediate airway management?
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