Which action is included in relieving an airway obstruction?

• A. Cricothyroidotomy
• B. Head tilt, chin lift or jaw thrust
• C. Endotracheal intubation
• D. Cricoid pressure

Answer: (B)

Relieving an airway obstruction starts with opening the airway so air can flow freely. The most immediate and effective way to do this is to reposition the jaw and head to move the tongue and soft tissues away from the airway. The head tilt with chin lift straightens the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin, while the jaw thrust lifts the jaw forward to achieve the same effect. These maneuvers clear the airway without advanced equipment and are the first-line actions for unobstructed breathing in a non-injured neck scenario; the jaw thrust is preferred if a neck injury is suspected because it avoids extending the cervical spine.

The other options involve more invasive or different goals. Cricothyroidotomy provides a surgical airway only when noninvasive methods fail or are not possible. Endotracheal intubation secures the airway but is not the initial action to relieve a sudden obstruction; it’s a more definitive airway management step. Cricoid pressure is a maneuver used during some intubation attempts to prevent aspiration and does not relieve an airway obstruction and can actually hinder ventilation.