After performing a head tilt-chin lift maneuver to open the airway of an unresponsive patient who has a pulse, you should:

After performing a head tilt-chin lift maneuver to open the airway of an unresponsive patient who has a pulse, you should:

• A. Immediately insert an airway adjunct
• B. Suction as needed and insert an airway adjunct
• C. Begin rescue breathing without suction
• D. Reassess and transport without intervention

Answer: (B)

Maintaining a clear, open airway and providing ventilation when needed are the immediate priorities after a head tilt-chin lift in an unresponsive patient who still has a pulse. Start by suctioning the airway as needed to remove secretions, blood, or vomitus that could block airflow. Once the airway is clear, insert an airway adjunct to keep the passage open during ventilation and to prevent the tongue from occluding the airway. In an unconscious patient, this adjunct helps maintain patency so rescue breaths can be delivered effectively. This approach fits because it combines clearing obstructions with a device that preserves airway patency during ongoing ventilation. If you skip suction and go straight to placing the adjunct, secretions can still block the airway. Conversely, beginning rescue breaths without addressing obstructions can push material deeper and reduce ventilation effectiveness. Waiting to reassess and transport without addressing airway and ventilation neglects the need to support breathing in an unresponsive patient with a pulse.

Maintaining a clear, open airway and providing ventilation when needed are the immediate priorities after a head tilt-chin lift in an unresponsive patient who still has a pulse. Start by suctioning the airway as needed to remove secretions, blood, or vomitus that could block airflow. Once the airway is clear, insert an airway adjunct to keep the passage open during ventilation and to prevent the tongue from occluding the airway. In an unconscious patient, this adjunct helps maintain patency so rescue breaths can be delivered effectively.

This approach fits because it combines clearing obstructions with a device that preserves airway patency during ongoing ventilation. If you skip suction and go straight to placing the adjunct, secretions can still block the airway. Conversely, beginning rescue breaths without addressing obstructions can push material deeper and reduce ventilation effectiveness. Waiting to reassess and transport without addressing airway and ventilation neglects the need to support breathing in an unresponsive patient with a pulse.