Question

question #2
you are assessing a 52-year-old male who was found in bed and is only responsive to deep painful stimuli. you suspect he is suffering from a stroke.
identify the preferred initial method of opening this patient’s airway.
nasopharyngeal airway.
oropharyngeal airway.
jaw thrust.
head tilt/chin lift.

Explanation:

For a patient with suspected stroke who has reduced responsiveness, the jaw thrust is the preferred initial airway opening method. This is because it avoids manipulating the neck, which is critical to prevent potential harm to the cervical spine (a concern in stroke or trauma cases where spinal injury cannot be ruled out). Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways are adjuncts, not initial manual opening methods, and head tilt/chin lift risks neck movement.

Answer:

Jaw thrust.