A conscious but combative patient with severe facial trauma is fully immobilized on a backboard. During your assessment, the patient begins coughing up large amounts of blood. You suction his oropharynx, but his mouth quickly refills with blood. You should:
A) preoxygenate the patient with a bag-mask for 2 minutes and then perform nasotracheal intubation.
B) roll the backboard on its side, suction his oropharynx, and prepare to perform pharmacologically assisted intubation.
C) alternate suctioning of his oropharynx for 15 seconds and assisting ventilations for 2 minutes until his airway is clear of blood.
D) continually suction his oropharynx until it is clear of blood, apply oxygen via nonrebreathing mask, and administer a sedative drug.
Answer: B) roll the backboard on its side, suction his oropharynx, and prepare to perform pharmacologically assisted intubation.
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