Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

During which part of CPR is it essential to maintain an open airway?

1. During chest compressions

2. During ventilation delivery

3. Both chest compressions and ventilations

4. Only during patient assessment

The correct answer is: During ventilation delivery

Maintaining an open airway is crucial during the delivery of ventilations in CPR. When providing rescue breaths, it is important to ensure that the airway is unobstructed so that air can effectively enter the lungs. This involves using techniques such as tilting the head back and lifting the chin to prevent any blockage from the tongue or other obstructions. Properly administering ventilations increases the chances of oxygen reaching the circulatory system, which is essential for keeping vital organs, especially the brain, alive during cardiac arrest. While an open airway is also necessary during chest compressions, the primary focus in that phase is on generating adequate blood flow through compressions rather than ensuring air passage. Similarly, during patient assessment, maintaining an open airway is important but secondary to the immediate actions of providing high-quality compressions and ventilations. Thus, the most critical moment for maintaining an open airway is indeed during the ventilation delivery phase.