During an airway assessment, which technique is important to clear the airway?

The jaw-thrust maneuver is an essential technique for clearing the airway, especially in patients who may have a potential spinal injury. This method helps to open the airway by displacing the tongue anteriorly without extending the neck, which minimizes the risk of exacerbating any spinal injury. It is particularly useful in unconscious patients or those with compromised airway reflexes, as it enables the caregiver to maintain airway patency without causing further harm.

In airway management, proper alignment and airway clearance are crucial for effective ventilation and oxygenation. Techniques like positioning the patient supine may not adequately clear the airway, especially in cases of obstruction. Similarly, abdominal thrusts are designed for conscious patients experiencing choking, but they do not address airway issues in unconscious patients. Suctioning might be necessary if secretions or vomit obstruct the airway, but it is typically employed as a follow-up intervention after the appropriate assessment and initial airway management technique, such as the jaw-thrust, has been applied to maintain patency.

Thus, the jaw-thrust maneuver is ideal for immediate airway clearance and protection, making it the correct choice in this context.