When securing an airway without moving the neck in suspected spinal injury, which maneuver is preferred?

When securing an airway without moving the neck in suspected spinal injury, which maneuver is preferred?

• A. Head-tilt chin-lift
• B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
• C. Chin lift only
• D. Hyperextension of neck

Answer: (B)

Opening the airway without moving the spine means using a maneuver that keeps the head and neck in neutral alignment while freeing the airway. The jaw-thrust maneuver achieves this by moving the lower jaw forward to lift the tongue and soft tissues away from the airway without tilting or extending the neck. This maintains cervical spine stability, which is essential when spinal injury is suspected. In contrast, methods that tilt or extend the neck—like head-tilt chin-lift or chin lift with neck movement—can compromise the spine. Hyperextension directly moves the neck, which is contraindicated. So, the jaw-thrust is the best choice because it opens the airway while preserving spinal alignment.

Opening the airway without moving the spine means using a maneuver that keeps the head and neck in neutral alignment while freeing the airway. The jaw-thrust maneuver achieves this by moving the lower jaw forward to lift the tongue and soft tissues away from the airway without tilting or extending the neck. This maintains cervical spine stability, which is essential when spinal injury is suspected. In contrast, methods that tilt or extend the neck—like head-tilt chin-lift or chin lift with neck movement—can compromise the spine. Hyperextension directly moves the neck, which is contraindicated. So, the jaw-thrust is the best choice because it opens the airway while preserving spinal alignment.