Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

If you suspect that an unresponsive victim has head or neck trauma, what is the preferred method for opening the airway?

1. Head tilt-chin lift

2. Jaw thrust

3. Standard airway maneuver

4. Manual jaw repositioning

The correct answer is: Jaw thrust

When dealing with an unresponsive victim who may have head or neck trauma, the preferred method for opening the airway is the jaw thrust maneuver. This technique is crucial because it minimizes movement of the cervical spine, reducing the risk of exacerbating any potential injuries to the head or neck. The jaw thrust involves positioning the hands on the angles of the jaw and lifting them forward while keeping the head and neck in a neutral position. This method effectively opens the airway by displacing the tongue and other soft tissues, allowing air to flow into the lungs without compromising the stability of the spine. In contrast, other methods such as the head tilt-chin lift involve bending the neck, which could further injure a person with potential spinal injuries. The standard airway maneuver and manual jaw repositioning also carry similar risks of neck movement. Thus, the jaw thrust is critical for maintaining spinal alignment while ensuring the airway remains patent, which is essential for effective ventilation and oxygenation.