16th February 2025

A 22-year-old female who was previously well attends the Emergency Department with a severe sore throat and breathing difficulty developing over 36 hours.

A 22-year-old female who was previously well attends the Emergency Department with a severe sore throat and breathing difficulty developing over 36 hours.
On assessment, she has a heart rate of 125, a blood pressure of 91/67 and a temperature of 38.7. She appears very distressed. Her respiratory rate is 30 with oxygen saturations 97% on air. A coarse inspiratory noise noted from the end of the bed, and auscultation is otherwise clear. 

Which is the LEAST appropriate management step?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.