Which statement describes the combination of actions performed during airway management with stabilization?

• A. Jaw thrust alone
• B. Manual cervical stabilization alone
• C. Opening the airway without stabilization
• D. Manual cervical stabilization and jaw thrust opening the airway

Answer: (D)

Airway management with stabilization requires protecting the spine while opening the airway. The best approach is to use manual cervical stabilization to keep the head and neck in line, and at the same time perform a jaw thrust to open the airway. The jaw thrust moves the tongue and soft tissues forward to relieve obstruction without tilting the head back, while manual stabilization prevents any neck movement that could worsen a possible cervical injury. Opening the airway without stabilization risks moving the neck, and stabilization alone won’t clear airway obstruction; jaw thrust alone won’t protect the spine. Therefore, combining both actions—stabilizing the cervical spine and jaw-thrusting to open the airway—is the correct approach.