What should be done for patients in respiratory distress with recent illness accompanied by fever, drooling, or stridor?

In cases of respiratory distress, particularly when symptoms include recent illness, fever, drooling, or stridor, it is crucial to recognize that the patient may be experiencing upper airway obstruction or significant swelling. Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) or an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) can potentially exacerbate the situation by causing trauma to an already compromised airway, leading to further obstruction or distress.

Patients exhibiting drooling and stridor may indicate conditions like croup or epiglottitis, where the airway is not only obstructed but also inflamed. These conditions can be exacerbated by the introduction of foreign objects such as airways, making it a critical point in management to avoid such interventions that may increase the risk of airway compromise.

In these cases, it is essential to prioritize maintaining a patent airway through other means, such as performing a calm assessment, providing supplemental oxygen as needed, or preparing for advanced airway management, rather than using devices that could introduce further risks. Observing the patient's condition closely without inserting an NPA or OPA aligns with best practices in managing risk during respiratory distress situations.