ResidentTraumaFINALhighres

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y Odynophagia, dysphagia, decreased oral intake, vomiting.
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y Ptyalism.
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y Hemoptysis, hematemesis.
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y Neck pain.
3. Information Gathering
a. Foreign Body
It is important to gather information about the foreign body:
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y Size.
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y Shape.
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y Material.
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y When the aspiration or ingestion occurred.
b. History of Similar Episodes
A history of similar episodes is also important. Recurrent episodes
suggest the need for further work-up to rule out an underlying neuro-
logic or anatomic abnormality.
c. Last Oral Intake
It is important to know when the patient last ate or drank.
d. Complete Patient History
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y Medical history.
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y Surgical history.
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y Medications.
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y Allergies.
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y Social history.
C. Physical Evaluation
1. General
Check the patient’s vital signs, alertness, and interactivity.
2. Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat
Evaluate HEENT for the following:
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y Airway—Stridor, stertor, nasal flaring, retractions.
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y Voice—Hoarse, breathy, muffled.
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y Oral cavity/oropharynx—Dentition, lacerations/abrasions, foreign
body.
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y Neck—Crepitus, mobility, palpable thud over trachea or audible slap
sometimes appreciated with tracheal foreign bodies.
3. Pulmonary
Check for retractions, wheezing, or diminished breath.