TCRN Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep for Your Test

The most appropriate technique to temporarily secure the airway of a patient with maxillofacial trauma is the jaw-thrust maneuver. This technique is especially useful in patients with potential spinal injuries, as it does not involve flexing the neck, which could exacerbate any existing injuries. The jaw-thrust maneuver effectively opens the airway by displacing the tongue forward without requiring head tilt, making it safer for patients with facial or cervical injuries.

While the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver can be effective in patients without trauma, it is not ideal in maxillofacial trauma situations, as it could worsen airway obstruction or exacerbate injury. The insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway is also inappropriate for patients with significant facial injuries, as it can cause further trauma or bleeding.

Combining both the chin-lift and jaw-thrust maneuvers generally does not provide an effective strategy for managing the airway in maxillofacial trauma. Thus, the jaw-thrust maneuver, which prioritizes spinal stability and minimizes the risk of further injury, stands out as the most appropriate choice for securing the airway in this context.