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

a. Foreign body lodged in the upper airway
b. Oral or nasal secretions blocking the pharynx
c. Tongue falling back into the pharynx
d. Severe spasm of the laryngeal musculature


ANS: C
The most common cause of airway obstruction is loss of muscle tone, which causes the tongue to fall back into the pharynx, thereby blocking airflow.

Health Professions

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