Basic Airway Management high yield review question & answers 2026

What is the first step in basic airway management in an unconscious patient? ️️ Ensure airway patency and assess breathing Which maneuver is used to open the airway in a patient without suspected cervical spine injury? ️️ Head tilt–chin lift Which maneuver is safest for opening the airway in a patient with potential cervical spine injury? ️️ Jaw thrust without head tilt Which device prevents the tongue from blocking the airway in unconscious patients? ️️ Oropharyngeal airway Which airway adjunct can be used in semi-conscious patients to maintain airway patency? ️️ Nasopharyngeal airway What is the main indicator of airway obstruction in a patient? ️️ Noisy breathing such as stridor or gurgling Which position aligns the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes to facilitate airway management? ️️ Sniffing position What is the purpose of suctioning in airway management? ️️ To remove secretions or foreign material that obstruct the airway Which device is inserted blindly above the glottis to maintain ventilation without entering the trachea? ️️ Laryngeal mask airway Which technique is used to relieve complete airway obstruction in a conscious adult? ️️ Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) What sign indicates effective ventilation after airway intervention? ️️ Visible chest rise with each breath Which airway device is used for long-term ventilation and bypasses the upper airway? ️️ Tracheostomy tube Which emergency condition requires immediate airway management? ️️ Complete airway obstruction Which maneuver lifts the tongue forward to prevent airway blockage in unconscious patients? ️️ Chin lift Which device is used to confirm placement of an endotracheal tube? ️️ Capnography Which breathing pattern may indicate airway compromise? ️️ Labored or irregular breathing Which airway adjunct uses a cuff to seal the trachea and prevent aspiration? ️️ Endotracheal tube Which sound indicates partial airway obstruction in the upper airway? ️️ Stridor Which oxygen delivery device provides the highest oxygen concentration without intubation? ️️ Non-rebreather mask Which airway intervention is considered invasive? ️️ Endotracheal intubation Which airway assessment technique uses the “look, listen, feel” method? ️️ Evaluation of breathing Which airway device is contraindicated in patients with basal skull fractures? ️️ Nasopharyngeal airway Which sign suggests inadequate oxygenation after airway management? ️️ Cyanosis of lips or skin Which device is most appropriate for emergency ventilation in a patient without a definitive airway? ️️ Bag-valve-mask Which technique is used to maintain airway patency in unconscious trauma patients? ️️ Jaw thrust Which condition involves collapse of the upper airway during sleep? ️️ Obstructive sleep apnea Which airway adjunct maintains patency above the glottis and can be inserted without visualization of the vocal cords? ️️ Laryngeal mask airway Which airway emergency is caused by allergic reactions leading to swelling of the airway? ️️ Anaphylaxis Which intervention removes secretions that could obstruct the airway? ️️ Suctioning Which maneuver is recommended for infants with choking? ️️ Back blows and chest thrusts Which airway assessment sign indicates effective ventilation during CPR? ️️ Adequate chest rise and fall Which position is recommended for airway management in obese patients? ️️ Head- elevated or sniffing position Which airway device is used in conjunction with a bag-valve-mask for ventilation? ️️ Oropharyngeal airway Which sign indicates severe airway obstruction? ️️ Silent chest with no airflow Which maneuver is used in unconscious trauma patients to protect the airway while minimizing neck movement? ️️ Jaw thrust Which device prevents tongue fallback and maintains airway in unconscious patients? ️️ Oropharyngeal airway Which airway problem results in low oxygen levels and bluish discoloration? ️️ Hypoxia Which surgical airway technique creates a direct opening in the trachea? ️️ Tracheostomy Which airway obstruction allows some air to pass but produces noise? ️️ Partial airway obstruction Which airway sign suggests the patient is ventilated inadequately? ️️ No chest rise with breaths Which airway intervention ensures long-term access for patients who cannot maintain their airway? ️️ Tracheostomy Which maneuver lifts the tongue and soft tissues forward to open the airway in an unconscious patient? ️️ Chin lift Which breathing abnormality may indicate upper airway swelling or obstruction? ️️ Stridor Which airway device is inserted through the nose and tolerated in semi-conscious patients? ️️ Nasopharyngeal airway Which intervention is critical to prevent aspiration in patients at risk? ️️ Cuffed endotracheal tube Which airway device provides positive pressure ventilation without intubation? ️️ Bag- valve-mask Which airway technique is standard practice during general anesthesia? ️️ Endotracheal intubation Which airway sign indicates adequate oxygenation and perfusion? ️️ Pink skin and lips with normal breathing Which emergency airway technique bypasses the upper airway? ️️ Tracheostomy Which airway intervention is first priority in the ABCs of resuscitation? ️️ Airway Which airway condition is characterized by a high-pitched inspiratory sound? ️️ Stridor Which maneuver is contraindicated in patients with cervical spine injury? ️️ Head tilt Which airway assessment step includes visualizing chest movement and listening for breath