How To Do The Head Tilt-Chin Lift and Jaw Thrust Maneuvers | Merck Manual Professional Version

Summary

This video explains two essential maneuvers for improving airway patency: the head tilt-chin lift and the jaw thrust. The head tilt-chin lift involves tilting the patient's head back to lift the tongue away from the airway, but is contraindicated in cases of potential cervical spine injury. In such cases, the jaw thrust is preferred as it minimizes neck movement. The maneuver involves lifting the mandible, which in turn lifts the tongue and relieves upper airway obstruction. These techniques are crucial in emergency situations for airway management.

Takeaways

• 💡 The head tilt chin lift maneuver moves the neck and should be avoided in patients with potential cervical spine injuries.
• 🔄 To perform the head tilt chin lift maneuver, push down on the forehead and lift the chin with the index and middle fingers.
• 👅 This maneuver helps by lifting the tongue away from the back of the throat, improving airway patency.
• 🚑 The jaw thrust maneuver is preferable in cases of suspected cervical spine injury as it involves minimal neck movement.
• 👐 During the jaw thrust maneuver, position your palms on the patient’s temples and fingers under the mandible.
• ⬆️ The jaw thrust involves lifting the mandible upward, which helps lift the tongue and relieve airway obstruction.
• ⚠️ The jaw thrust maneuver is safer for patients with possible neck injuries.
• 🌬️ Both maneuvers are aimed at improving airway clearance by preventing the tongue from blocking the airway.
• 📏 The head tilt chin lift is easier but riskier for spinal injuries, while the jaw thrust is more suitable when neck stability is a concern.
• 🏥 These techniques are critical in emergency situations for airway management and ensuring patient safety.

Q & A

What is the head tilt chin lift maneuver?

The head tilt chin lift maneuver involves tilting the patient's head back by pushing down on the forehead and lifting the chin using the index and middle fingers to improve airway patency by lifting the tongue away from the posterior pharynx.

Why is the head tilt chin lift maneuver contraindicated in patients with possible cervical spine injuries?

The head tilt chin lift maneuver is contraindicated in patients with possible cervical spine injuries because it causes motion in the neck, which could exacerbate or cause further damage to the cervical spine.

How does the head tilt chin lift improve airway patency?

It lifts the tongue away from the posterior pharynx, preventing the tongue from blocking the airway and improving airflow.

What is the preferred maneuver for patients with suspected cervical spine injuries?

The jaw thrust maneuver is preferred over the head tilt chin lift maneuver for patients with suspected cervical spine injuries because it minimizes neck movement.

How do you perform the jaw thrust maneuver?

To perform the jaw thrust maneuver, stand at the head of the stretcher, place your palms on the patient's temples, and your fingers under the mandible. Lift the mandible upward to relieve upper airway obstruction without moving the neck.

Why is the jaw thrust maneuver considered safer for patients with possible cervical spine injuries?

It minimizes motion in the neck while still effectively lifting the mandible and tongue to relieve upper airway obstruction.

What is the role of the mandible in both the head tilt chin lift and the jaw thrust maneuvers?

In both maneuvers, the mandible is lifted to displace the tongue, helping to clear the upper airway and improve breathing.

What is the function of the tongue in relation to airway patency?

The tongue can obstruct the airway by falling back into the posterior pharynx. Both the head tilt chin lift and the jaw thrust maneuvers help lift the tongue to open the airway.

In what situations is the head tilt chin lift maneuver appropriate?

The head tilt chin lift maneuver is appropriate when there is no concern for cervical spine injuries, and the goal is to improve airway patency in an unconscious or unresponsive patient.

What is the primary goal of both the head tilt chin lift and jaw thrust maneuvers?

The primary goal of both maneuvers is to open and maintain a clear airway by repositioning the head or mandible to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway.