Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

What is the most important reason to maintain an open airway in the trauma patient?

1. Prevents aspiration and pneumonia

2. Prevents hypoxemia and hypercarbia

3. Prevents snoring respirations

4. Prevents the tongue from blocking the pharynx

The correct answer is: Prevents hypoxemia and hypercarbia

Maintaining an open airway in a trauma patient is crucial primarily to prevent hypoxemia and hypercarbia. Hypoxemia refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood, while hypercarbia indicates elevated levels of carbon dioxide. When the airway is compromised, either due to obstruction or other factors, the body cannot adequately exchange gases. This can lead to several life-threatening conditions, including brain damage and cardiac arrest if not addressed promptly. In trauma cases, the airway is at particular risk due to factors such as altered levels of consciousness, swelling, or structural injuries, which can lead to obstruction. Ensuring the airway remains patent allows for effective ventilation, prevents oxygen deprivation to vital organs, and eliminates the buildup of carbon dioxide, thus safeguarding the patient's physiological integrity. Although preventing aspiration and pneumonia, managing snoring respirations, and avoiding obstruction by the tongue are also important considerations, they serve primarily as secondary benefits of maintaining an open airway, rather than the primary focus which is to ensure adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal.