Emergency Medical Responder Practice Exam

Why is the tongue often the most common cause of airway obstruction?

1. It can swell in allergic reactions

2. It can drop backward in unresponsive patients

3. It is larger in infants than adults

4. It can become caught in dental appliances

The correct answer is: It can drop backward in unresponsive patients

The tongue is the most common cause of airway obstruction because, in unresponsive patients, it can relax and drop backward into the throat. This displacement of the tongue can effectively block the airway, making it difficult or impossible for air to flow into the lungs. When a person is unresponsive, their muscle tone diminishes, which allows the tongue to roll back due to gravity and the lack of muscle control. This is particularly critical in emergency situations, as ensuring an open airway is paramount for ventilation and oxygenation. While other factors can contribute to airway obstruction, such as swelling from allergic reactions or the presence of dental appliances, these scenarios are not as prevalent as the tongue's positional change in unresponsive individuals. It is essential for emergency responders to recognize this common cause and be trained in techniques such as the head tilt-chin lift or jaw thrust maneuvers to reposition the tongue and clear the airway efficiently.