CCBMA Clinical Practice Exam

Opening the airway is about aligning the airway so air can flow freely. The best sequence is to place the patient on their back, tilt the head backward, and lift the chin. Lying on the back helps gravity move the tongue away from the opening of the airway; tilting the head back extends the neck to straighten the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes; lifting the chin pulls the lower jaw and soft tissues forward, preventing them from occluding the airway. The other options would not open the airway: placing someone on the stomach or to the side can obstruct the airway; a neutral head position with the chin lowered does not clear the obstruction; and head-tilt with the chin-down would misalign and likely impede airflow. If spinal injury is suspected, modification is needed, but for a straightforward airway opening, back with head tilt and chin lift is the correct approach.