Question

When should the jaw-thrust maneuver be used to open the airway and assess for obstruction?

1) When the patient is unconscious
2) When the patient is conscious
3) When the patient is unable to breathe
4) When the patient is experiencing severe pain

Answer 1

The jaw-thrust maneuver should be used to open the airway in an unconscious patient, especially when spinal injuries are a concern. It is utilized when general anesthesia causes relaxation of the tongue and respiratory muscles, necessitating artificial maintenance of an open airway.

Step-by-step explanation:

The jaw-thrust maneuver should be used to open the airway and assess for obstruction when the patient is unconscious. This technique is particularly important in cases where spinal injuries are suspected or possible, as it avoids moving the neck. The drugs used for general anesthesia can relax the tongue and respiratory muscles, making it necessary to switch control of respiration from the patient's natural mechanisms to that of the anesthesiologist. Endotracheal intubation is often the method used to maintain an open airway and prevent obstruction by the relaxed tongue.

The jaw-thrust is different from other maneuvers such as the Heimlich, which is used when a conscious person is choking and the airway needs to be cleared of a foreign object. Knowing the correct procedure to use in emergency situations, whether it's the jaw-thrust for an unconscious person or the Heimlich for one that's choking, can be critical in saving a life.