Which sequence correctly describes a basic airway assessment and airway clearance for a conscious patient?

Which sequence correctly describes a basic airway assessment and airway clearance for a conscious patient?

• A. Assess for obstruction or snoring; check airway patency; position properly (head tilt or jaw thrust as needed); clear obstruction if present; encourage coughing; suction only if trained and necessary.
• B. Check airway patency; assess for obstruction or snoring; position properly (head tilt or jaw thrust as needed); clear obstruction if present; encourage coughing; suction only if trained and necessary.
• C. Check airway patency; position properly; suction before checking for obstruction; encourage coughing; call for help.
• D. Suction first; check airway patency; position; clear obstruction; encourage coughing.

Answer: (B)

The sequence tests the practical order for keeping a conscious patient’s airway open and clear. Start by confirming the airway is open—check airway patency so you know there isn’t a blockage preventing air from reaching the lungs. Then look for signs of obstruction or snoring, which indicate partial blockage that needs attention. Next, position the head and neck to maximize airway opening—usually a head tilt with chin lift, or a jaw-thrust if neck injury is suspected. If an obstruction is present, clear it and encourage the patient to cough to help mobilize and expel it. Suction is a specialized step and should be used only if you’re trained and it’s necessary to remove secretions or debris; it should come after you’ve assessed patency, identified obstruction, and opened the airway. The other sequences misorder steps—either attempting to clear obstructions or suction before confirming patency or properly opening the airway—so they don’t reflect the safest, most effective approach for a conscious patient.

The sequence tests the practical order for keeping a conscious patient’s airway open and clear. Start by confirming the airway is open—check airway patency so you know there isn’t a blockage preventing air from reaching the lungs. Then look for signs of obstruction or snoring, which indicate partial blockage that needs attention. Next, position the head and neck to maximize airway opening—usually a head tilt with chin lift, or a jaw-thrust if neck injury is suspected. If an obstruction is present, clear it and encourage the patient to cough to help mobilize and expel it. Suction is a specialized step and should be used only if you’re trained and it’s necessary to remove secretions or debris; it should come after you’ve assessed patency, identified obstruction, and opened the airway.

The other sequences misorder steps—either attempting to clear obstructions or suction before confirming patency or properly opening the airway—so they don’t reflect the safest, most effective approach for a conscious patient.