What maneuver should be used for opening the airway of a patient with a suspected spinal injury?

What maneuver should be used for opening the airway of a patient with a suspected spinal injury?

• A. Jaw-thrust maneuver
• B. Head tilt-neck lift maneuver
• C. Head tilt-chin lift maneuver
• D. Tongue jaw lift maneuver

Answer: (A)

The jaw-thrust maneuver is the recommended technique for opening the airway of a patient with a suspected spinal injury because it minimizes movement of the cervical spine. This is important in cases of suspected spinal injury since any unintentional movement can exacerbate the injury and lead to further complications. In the jaw-thrust maneuver, the rescuer places their fingers behind the angle of the patient's jaw and lifts the jaw upward while keeping the head in a neutral position. This action helps to pull the tongue forward and prevent it from obstructing the airway without tilting the head back, which is crucial for individuals with potential spinal injuries. Other options involve tilting the head or neck, which could potentially worsen any existing spinal injury by increasing the risk of further damage. Therefore, the jaw-thrust maneuver is specifically designed to maintain spinal alignment while ensuring the airway remains patent, making it the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

The jaw-thrust maneuver is the recommended technique for opening the airway of a patient with a suspected spinal injury because it minimizes movement of the cervical spine. This is important in cases of suspected spinal injury since any unintentional movement can exacerbate the injury and lead to further complications.

In the jaw-thrust maneuver, the rescuer places their fingers behind the angle of the patient's jaw and lifts the jaw upward while keeping the head in a neutral position. This action helps to pull the tongue forward and prevent it from obstructing the airway without tilting the head back, which is crucial for individuals with potential spinal injuries.

Other options involve tilting the head or neck, which could potentially worsen any existing spinal injury by increasing the risk of further damage. Therefore, the jaw-thrust maneuver is specifically designed to maintain spinal alignment while ensuring the airway remains patent, making it the most appropriate choice in this scenario.