Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What technique should be used to open the airway of an unresponsive patient suspected of having a neck injury?

1. Modified jaw-thrust maneuver

2. Head-tilt, chin-lift

3. Jaw-thrust only

4. Standard mouth-to-mouth approach

The correct answer is: Modified jaw-thrust maneuver

The correct technique for opening the airway of an unresponsive patient suspected of a neck injury is the modified jaw-thrust maneuver. This method is particularly important because it minimizes movement of the cervical spine, which could potentially exacerbate any injury that the patient may have sustained. When a patient is unresponsive, it's crucial to ensure that the airway is open for adequate airflow. The modified jaw-thrust maneuver allows the rescuer to secure the airway without tilting the head back, which could put additional stress on the neck. By displacing the jaw forward and lifting it, this technique helps to relieve any obstruction that may be caused by the tongue or other materials while maintaining the spinal alignment. In contrast, the head-tilt, chin-lift method is not suitable for someone with a suspected neck injury, as it requires significant movement of the head and neck, which might lead to increased damage. Similarly, performing a jaw-thrust alone without the modified aspect does not allow for as much control and care as the modified technique does. Finally, the standard mouth-to-mouth approach is inappropriate for airway management in this scenario, as it does not address the primary concern of ensuring a clear and secure airway while safeguarding potential spinal injuries.