Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

Which is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction in the trauma patient?

1. Blood

2. Teeth

3. Tongue

4. Vomitus

The correct answer is: Tongue

The most common cause of upper airway obstruction in the trauma patient is the tongue. When a patient is in a supine position or experiences a loss of consciousness, the anatomical structure of the tongue can easily fall back into the oropharynx due to gravity. This can obstruct the airway, making it difficult for air to pass through, leading to hypoxia and potentially life-threatening situations if not managed promptly. Recognizing the tongue as a primary threat is vital for first responders and healthcare providers because ensuring airway patency is one of the immediate priorities in trauma care. Techniques such as the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver are often employed to relieve this obstruction and provide access to the airway, emphasizing the vital nature of the tongue's position in traumatic situations. Other options like blood, teeth, or vomitus can also lead to airway obstruction, but these occurrences are less common compared to the significant role the tongue plays, especially in the context of trauma patients who may be unconscious or unresponsive. Understanding this helps in prioritizing airway management strategies in prehospital settings.