In a patient with suspected cervical spine injury during airway management, which maneuver minimizes neck movement?

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Multiple Choice

In a patient with suspected cervical spine injury during airway management, which maneuver minimizes neck movement?

Minimizing neck movement during airway management when a cervical spine injury is suspected is essential. The jaw thrust opens the airway by moving the mandible forward, which lifts the tongue away from the airway without tilting or extending the neck. This keeps the spine aligned in a neutral position and maintains manual inline stabilization. In contrast, head-tilt and chin lift with neck extension require moving the neck, which can worsen a cervical spine injury. Using an oropharyngeal airway without stabilizing the head can allow the neck to move during placement, defeating the goal of minimal movement.

Minimizing neck movement during airway management when a cervical spine injury is suspected is essential. The jaw thrust opens the airway by moving the mandible forward, which lifts the tongue away from the airway without tilting or extending the neck. This keeps the spine aligned in a neutral position and maintains manual inline stabilization.

In contrast, head-tilt and chin lift with neck extension require moving the neck, which can worsen a cervical spine injury. Using an oropharyngeal airway without stabilizing the head can allow the neck to move during placement, defeating the goal of minimal movement.

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