1. Yes Yes Improving Not Improving Improving Not Improving
Increasing wound swelling after neck surgery
Yes
Respiratory distress
(Any of tachypnoea, noisy breathing/stridor, low sats) 0N
Yes
Sit patient and start 100% O2 by mask
Stay with patient and monitor closely
Inform consultant and review frequently
Improving
Not Improving
Improving
Give 100 mg IV hydrocortisone & nebulised adrenaline
Call consultant & inform theatres
Not Improving
Open the wound (shown below) and pack loosely
Pull suture ends
Remove steristrips
Cut platysma stitches
Cut midline strap muscle stitches
Probe wound to feel trachea