A patient with facial trauma and active bleeding. Which airway management step is most appropriate?

• A. Oropharyngeal airway
• B. Head tilt-chin lift
• C. Nasal cannula oxygen
• D. Suctioning and jaw-thrust maneuver

Answer: (D)

In facial trauma with active bleeding, the priority is to keep the airway clear and patent while protecting the spine. Suctioning removes blood, clots, and spit that are choking the airway, making it possible to ventilate and preventing aspiration. The jaw-thrust maneuver lifts the mandible forward to open the airway without extending the neck, which preserves in-line stabilization of the cervical spine—vital when spinal injury is possible.

Together, suctioning and the jaw-thrust address both airway clearance and patency in a trauma patient, with spinal protection in mind. Supplemental oxygen alone doesn’t clear the airway, and moving the head with a chin lift could worsen potential neck injury. An oropharyngeal airway can help in some unresponsive patients but is less reliable in active facial bleeding and doesn't clear blood from the airway.