While moving a parturient with suspected aspiration, the appropriate treatment is

While moving a parturient with suspected aspiration, the appropriate treatment is

• A. Intravenous lidocaine to suppress the cough
• B. Glucocorticoids
• C. 100% oxygen and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
• D. Saline lavage

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to maximize oxygenation and keep alveoli open after suspected aspiration. Giving 100% oxygen and applying positive end-expiratory pressure helps recruit collapsed airspaces, increases functional residual capacity, and improves oxygen uptake, which is crucial when a parturient develops hypoxemia from aspirated material or chemical pneumonitis. Other options don’t address the core issue of acute oxygenation: suppressing cough doesn’t improve airway protection or oxygenation and may worsen outcomes; glucocorticoids haven’t proven an immediate benefit in acute aspiration; and saline lavage is invasive and not routinely beneficial for aspiration management. If needed, escalate to airway protection and ventilation with ongoing oxygenation and PEEP.

The main idea is to maximize oxygenation and keep alveoli open after suspected aspiration. Giving 100% oxygen and applying positive end-expiratory pressure helps recruit collapsed airspaces, increases functional residual capacity, and improves oxygen uptake, which is crucial when a parturient develops hypoxemia from aspirated material or chemical pneumonitis. Other options don’t address the core issue of acute oxygenation: suppressing cough doesn’t improve airway protection or oxygenation and may worsen outcomes; glucocorticoids haven’t proven an immediate benefit in acute aspiration; and saline lavage is invasive and not routinely beneficial for aspiration management. If needed, escalate to airway protection and ventilation with ongoing oxygenation and PEEP.