Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in unresponsive patients?

1. Foreign bodies lodged in the throat

2. Occlusion of the posterior pharynx by the tongue

3. Swelling of the vocal cords

4. Fluid accumulation in the lungs

The correct answer is: Occlusion of the posterior pharynx by the tongue

The most common cause of airway obstruction in unresponsive patients is the occlusion of the posterior pharynx by the tongue. When a patient becomes unresponsive or loses consciousness, the normal muscle tone is diminished. This loss of tone in the muscles of the throat causes the tongue to fall back and block the airway, particularly at the level of the oropharynx. As the tongue relaxes, it can obstruct the passage of air into the trachea, leading to potential respiratory failure if not addressed promptly. In contrast, while foreign bodies lodged in the throat can cause obstruction, they are less common in unresponsive patients compared to the natural anatomical changes that occur with loss of consciousness. Swelling of the vocal cords or fluid accumulation in the lungs can also lead to airway compromise, but these situations are not as immediate or prevalent as the obstruction caused by the patient's own tongue during unresponsiveness. Thus, understanding the dynamics of airway management and recognizing the predominance of tongue obstruction in unresponsive individuals is crucial for effective emergency response and intervention.