Before preparing to intubate, which basic airway maneuver should be attempted first?

Before preparing to intubate, which basic airway maneuver should be attempted first?

• A. NPA or OPA as needed
• B. Chin lift/ jaw thrust
• C. Suction as needed
• D. BVM with 100% Oxygen

Answer: (B)

The key idea is quickly establishing a patent airway with a manual maneuver. A jaw-thrust (or chin-lift when spinal injury isn’t a concern) moves the mandible forward and lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat, opening the airway without demanding invasive steps. This step is essential before intubation because you can’t secure a tube if air can’t get in. The jaw-thrust is especially favored when there may be cervical spine injury, since it minimizes neck movement compared with a head-tilt/chin-lift. Once the airway is open, you can suction as needed, place an airway adjunct (OPA/NPA) if needed, and ventilate with a bag-valve-mask using 100% oxygen while preparing for definitive airway management. Suction, adjuncts, and BVM ventilation are important, but they build on first ensuring the airway is patent with this maneuver.

The key idea is quickly establishing a patent airway with a manual maneuver. A jaw-thrust (or chin-lift when spinal injury isn’t a concern) moves the mandible forward and lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat, opening the airway without demanding invasive steps. This step is essential before intubation because you can’t secure a tube if air can’t get in.

The jaw-thrust is especially favored when there may be cervical spine injury, since it minimizes neck movement compared with a head-tilt/chin-lift. Once the airway is open, you can suction as needed, place an airway adjunct (OPA/NPA) if needed, and ventilate with a bag-valve-mask using 100% oxygen while preparing for definitive airway management. Suction, adjuncts, and BVM ventilation are important, but they build on first ensuring the airway is patent with this maneuver.