Which Emergent Condition Would MOST Require Assessment of Airway Patency by a Physical Therapist?

• A. Allergic Reaction
• B. Fracture
• C. Autonomic Dysreflexia
• D. Heat Exhaustion

Answer: (A)

Assessing airway patency is essential when a patient may be experiencing an acute allergic reaction because swelling of the airway tissues and potential bronchospasm can rapidly compromise breathing. Signs such as throat tightness, hoarseness, muffled voice, stridor, wheezing, cyanosis, or restlessness indicate that the airway may be closing, and the physical therapist must act quickly to secure the airway, monitor breathing, and summon emergency help. In contrast, a fracture involves bone injury and pain without direct threat to the airway unless there’s neck trauma; autonomic dysreflexia centers on dangerous blood pressure changes rather than airway compromise; and heat exhaustion affects thermoregulation and hydration rather than airway patency. So the scenario most likely to require immediate airway assessment is an allergic reaction due to the high risk of rapid airway obstruction.