Progressive Dyspnea in Surgery — 45yo Woman | General Surgery | SMLE Q#958
SMLE Question #958
Surgery
General Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRACH-EMERG-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 45-year-old woman had anterior neck surgery 2 weeks ago. She now has a rapidly enlarging, tense anterior neck swelling at the surgical site with progressive dyspnea and inspiratory stridor, worse when supine. Examination shows a firm, tender neck mass with tracheal deviation. Thyroid function tests show biochemical hyperthyroidism. What is the most appropriate initial management step?
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