Final answer:
To open the airway of an unconscious injured patient suspected of having a spinal injury, the safest method is the jaw-thrust maneuver to prevent any further injury while ensuring the airway is clear.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of providing immediate care to an unconscious injured patient, it is crucial to ensure that the airway remains open to allow for proper breathing. The recommended method to open the airway of such a patient would depend on whether a spinal injury is suspected or not. If there is no suspicion of spinal injury, the head tilt-chin lift maneuver is generally used, which involves tilting the patient's head back and lifting their chin to open the airway.
However, if a spinal injury is suspected, the safer alternative is the jaw-thrust maneuver, which involves lifting the jaw forward without moving the head or neck, thus minimizing the risk of exacerbating a potential spinal injury while still attempting to clear the airway.
Inserting an oral airway before manually moving the head (B. insert an oral airway before manually moving the head) is typically done in a controlled medical setting, often in preparation for general anesthesia or surgery to maintain an airway, and is not the first line for emergency airway management in an unconscious patient in the field. Generally, grasping the patient's tongue and lower jaw to lift (D. grasp the patient's tongue and lower jaw and lift) is not advisable, as it can cause harm and is not an effective method of opening the airway.
Correct Answer: C. use the jaw-thrust maneuver