Which actions are demonstrated for airway management with potential cervical spine injury?

Which actions are demonstrated for airway management with potential cervical spine injury?

• A. Head tilt chin lift only
• B. Oral airway insertion without stabilization
• C. Nasal airway insertion without stabilization
• D. Manual cervical stabilization and jaw thrust opening of the airway

Answer: (C)

When there’s a potential cervical spine injury, protect the neck while keeping the airway open. The best approach is to maintain manual in-line stabilization of the head and neck and use a jaw-thrust to open the airway. This opens the airway without tilting the head or moving the spine, reducing the risk of worsening the injury. Head tilt–chin lift moves the cervical spine and is avoided in suspected injury. Airway adjuncts (oral or nasal) should be used with stabilization in place; placing them without stabilizing the neck can allow movement and compromise the spine. So, the demonstrated actions prioritize spinal alignment while reliably airway patency through a jaw-thrust.

When there’s a potential cervical spine injury, protect the neck while keeping the airway open. The best approach is to maintain manual in-line stabilization of the head and neck and use a jaw-thrust to open the airway. This opens the airway without tilting the head or moving the spine, reducing the risk of worsening the injury. Head tilt–chin lift moves the cervical spine and is avoided in suspected injury. Airway adjuncts (oral or nasal) should be used with stabilization in place; placing them without stabilizing the neck can allow movement and compromise the spine. So, the demonstrated actions prioritize spinal alignment while reliably airway patency through a jaw-thrust.