Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

When performing CPR on a 6-year-old patient, is it appropriate to open the airway to a neutral position?

1. True

2. False

3. Only in emergencies

4. Only if advised by a medical professional

The correct answer is: False

When performing CPR on a 6-year-old patient, it is important to keep the airway in a neutral position rather than fully extending the head or tilting it back too far. In children, especially those under the age of 8, the anatomy of the airway is such that full extension can actually obstruct it due to the proportionally larger heads and shorter necks that they have. A neutral position allows for better alignment of the airway and reduces the risk of causing any obstruction. This approach also aligns with pediatric guidelines, which emphasize that maintaining a neutral position helps ensure adequate airflow during rescue breaths. Choosing to say that the statement about opening the airway to a neutral position is false reflects an understanding of the specific techniques necessary for pediatric CPR, distinguishing it from CPR procedures performed on adults. Therefore, it is crucial for responders to be aware of these differences to provide effective care.