Which description best matches the jaw-thrust maneuver for opening the airway?

• A. Extending the neck backward to lift the tongue
• B. Thrusting the lower jaw upward without moving the head or neck
• C. Tilting the head backward and lifting the chin
• D. Lifting the upper jaw forward while extending the spine

Answer: (B)

Opening the airway without moving the neck is crucial when a spinal injury is suspected. The jaw-thrust accomplishes this by lifting the lower jaw upward and forward, which pulls the tongue away from the airway while keeping the head and neck in a neutral position. That’s why describing it as thrusting the lower jaw upward without moving the head or neck is the best match. In contrast, tilting the head backward and lifting the chin extends the neck and is used when spinal injury isn’t a concern. Lifting the upper jaw forward while extending the spine isn’t a standard airway maneuver, so it doesn’t fit.