For ventilations with a child, how should the head be positioned?

For ventilations with a child, how should the head be positioned?

• A. Tilt the head back to a slightly past-neutral position
• B. Keep the head in a neutral position
• C. Tilt the head far back
• D. Tilt forward

Answer: (A)

Opening the airway for ventilations in a child requires just enough head tilt to position the airway open without overextending the neck. A child’s tongue can easily block the airway, so lifting the chin slightly helps move the tongue away and align the airway. The best position is a head tilt back to a slightly past-neutral position, which provides a clear path for air. Tilting the head further back can overextend the neck and may not improve airflow, while a neutral or forward tilt can leave the airway narrower. So you want a gentle tilt that is just past neutral to optimize air passage during ventilations.

Opening the airway for ventilations in a child requires just enough head tilt to position the airway open without overextending the neck. A child’s tongue can easily block the airway, so lifting the chin slightly helps move the tongue away and align the airway. The best position is a head tilt back to a slightly past-neutral position, which provides a clear path for air. Tilting the head further back can overextend the neck and may not improve airflow, while a neutral or forward tilt can leave the airway narrower. So you want a gentle tilt that is just past neutral to optimize air passage during ventilations.