A respiratory therapist arrives at the scene of an accident to assist a victim of a motor vehicle accident. What would the best method to open the airway until a full assessment is completed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patent airway can be initiated by means of a jaw thrust maneuver to open the airway. Maintain the airway with orotracheal intubation, nasotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, or tracheostomy. In order to maintain cervical spine stabilizations, do not use the head tilt, sniff position, or chin lift maneuvers because these procedures change the orientation of the spinal column and increase the risk of additional spinal injury. The jaw thrust technique may be used in these children unless otherwise contraindicated.

A Respiratory Therapist Arrives at the Scene of an Accident