Which observation best indicates that the airway is open and clear?

Which observation best indicates that the airway is open and clear?

• A. The patient is speaking in long phrases.
• B. The patient is coughing.
• C. You hear and feel air moving from the mouth and nose.
• D. There are no breath sounds.

Answer: (C)

Airway patency is shown by actual airflow through the airway. The best sign is hearing and feeling air moving from the mouth and nose because that confirms air is passing into the lungs and the airway is open. Being able to speak in long phrases can imply some airflow, but it isn’t as reliable a check and can be misleading if partial obstruction or other factors are present. Coughing indicates the body is trying to clear secretions or a minor blockage, which signals a potential issue rather than a guaranteed open airway. No breath sounds show that there may be no air movement at all, suggesting a serious problem. So, hearing and feeling air movement is the clearest indicator that the airway is open and clear.

Airway patency is shown by actual airflow through the airway. The best sign is hearing and feeling air moving from the mouth and nose because that confirms air is passing into the lungs and the airway is open. Being able to speak in long phrases can imply some airflow, but it isn’t as reliable a check and can be misleading if partial obstruction or other factors are present. Coughing indicates the body is trying to clear secretions or a minor blockage, which signals a potential issue rather than a guaranteed open airway. No breath sounds show that there may be no air movement at all, suggesting a serious problem. So, hearing and feeling air movement is the clearest indicator that the airway is open and clear.