What is a common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious patients?

What is a common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious patients?

• A. Infection
• B. Swallowing food
• C. Relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles
• D. Fever

Answer: (C)

Airway obstruction in unconscious patients is commonly due to the relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles. When a person becomes unconscious, the protective reflexes that keep the airway open and clear are diminished or lost entirely. The muscles in the throat, including the tongue, lose their tone, which can cause the tongue to fall backward and obstruct the airway. This situation is critical, as it can lead to inadequate ventilation and oxygenation. Understanding this mechanism is essential for healthcare providers, particularly in emergency situations, as it underscores the importance of maintaining a clear airway for unconscious patients. In such cases, interventions like repositioning the patient (e.g., the recovery position) or using adjuncts like an airway adjunct may be necessary to ensure that airflow is not impeded.

Airway obstruction in unconscious patients is commonly due to the relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles. When a person becomes unconscious, the protective reflexes that keep the airway open and clear are diminished or lost entirely. The muscles in the throat, including the tongue, lose their tone, which can cause the tongue to fall backward and obstruct the airway. This situation is critical, as it can lead to inadequate ventilation and oxygenation.

Understanding this mechanism is essential for healthcare providers, particularly in emergency situations, as it underscores the importance of maintaining a clear airway for unconscious patients. In such cases, interventions like repositioning the patient (e.g., the recovery position) or using adjuncts like an airway adjunct may be necessary to ensure that airflow is not impeded.