Critical Care

The Southwest Journal of Pulmonary and Critical Care publishes articles directed to those who treat patients in the ICU, CCU and SICU including chest physicians, surgeons, pediatricians, pharmacists/pharmacologists, anesthesiologists, critical care nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Manuscripts may be either basic or clinical original investigations or review articles. Potential authors of review articles are encouraged to contact the editors before submission, however, unsolicited review articles will be considered.

Rick Robbins, M.D. Rick Robbins, M.D.

November 2017 Critical Care Case of the Month

Stephanie Fountain, MD

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Banner University Medical Center Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ USA

 

History of Present Illness

A 56-year-old man presented with “food stuck in throat” since eating steak 18 hours prior to presentation. He is unable to eat or drink and has a sore throat. He is able to speak but has a “hoarse voice.” He denied drooling.

Past Medical History, Family History, and Social History

  • He described himself as “healthy” and had not sought medical care in years.
  • Former smoker but quit 2 years ago.
  • He uses alcohol daily.
  • He denied illicit drug use.

Physical Exam

  • Afebrile, blood pressure 137/74 mm HG, heart rate 74 beats/min, SpO2 98% on room air.
  • Physical exam was normal

Which of the following should be done next? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the second of six pages)

  1. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
  2. Papain (Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer®) administration
  3. Tracheostomy
  4. 1 and 3
  5. All of the above

Cite as: Fountain S. November 2017 critical care case of the month. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2017;15(5):191-8. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc130-17 PDF

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