What should be used to open the airway of an infant during CPR?

What should be used to open the airway of an infant during CPR?

• A. Head tilt
• B. Jaw thrust
• C. Sniffing position
• D. Chin lift

Answer: (C)

The correct method to open the airway of an infant during CPR is the sniffing position. This position is designed to align the infant's airway properly by tilting the head slightly back while supporting the neck. The goal is to allow for unobstructed airflow, as infants have smaller airways which require careful manipulation to ensure that they are open during resuscitation efforts. While the head tilt is a common technique for opening the airway in adults and older children, it is not appropriate for infants as it can lead to airway obstruction. The jaw thrust is useful in scenarios where spinal injury is a concern, but in the case of infants, it is not the standard approach for airway management during CPR. The chin lift also plays a significant role in airway management but is typically more effective in older patients. Thus, the sniffing position provides a safe and effective way to open the airway for infants specifically during CPR.

The correct method to open the airway of an infant during CPR is the sniffing position. This position is designed to align the infant's airway properly by tilting the head slightly back while supporting the neck. The goal is to allow for unobstructed airflow, as infants have smaller airways which require careful manipulation to ensure that they are open during resuscitation efforts.

While the head tilt is a common technique for opening the airway in adults and older children, it is not appropriate for infants as it can lead to airway obstruction. The jaw thrust is useful in scenarios where spinal injury is a concern, but in the case of infants, it is not the standard approach for airway management during CPR. The chin lift also plays a significant role in airway management but is typically more effective in older patients. Thus, the sniffing position provides a safe and effective way to open the airway for infants specifically during CPR.