Question

The most common cause of an airway obstruction in an unconscious patient is:

A. chewing gum
B. mouth guards
C. tongue
D. teeth

Answer 1

The tongue is the most common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious patients, often associated with muscle relaxation during sleep apnea or under general anesthesia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most common cause of an airway obstruction in an unconscious patient is the tongue. This can occur when the individual's tongue and throat muscles excessively relax, especially in cases like obstructive sleep apnea or during general anesthesia, causing the tongue to fall back and potentially block the airway. For this reason, during surgical procedures, endotracheal intubation is often performed to maintain an open airway and prevent such obstructions.