Dental Hygiene Pharmacology Practice Exam

Which statement about airway status is true for general anesthesia?

Inability to independently maintain airway Full ability to maintain airway Airway reflexes enhanced No airway involvement

Correct Answer:

Inability to independently maintain airway

Explanation:

Under general anesthesia, airway protection and spontaneous ventilation are typically compromised. Loss of consciousness and anesthetic drugs depress protective airway reflexes (like gag and cough) and relax surrounding muscles, so the patient cannot independently keep the airway open or ventilate effectively. This is why airway devices or assisted ventilation are routinely required, such as masks or endotracheal tubes, to maintain a patent airway and ensure adequate gas exchange. The idea that airway reflexes are enhanced, that the airway is fully maintainable without assistance, or that there is no airway involvement does not fit how anesthesia affects airway physiology.

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