MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

According to MCOLES objectives, what is the most common cause of airway obstruction?

1. Any object including vomit, blood, or teeth

2. Burns or punctures

3. Foreign objects

4. Tongue

The correct answer is: Tongue

The most common cause of airway obstruction is the tongue. This is particularly important to recognize in emergency situations, especially when a person is unconscious or unable to maintain control of their airway. The anatomy of the airway makes it susceptible to obstruction by the tongue, which can fall back into the throat due to gravity or muscle relaxation. Being aware of this helps first responders and medical personnel prioritize airway management techniques. In contrast, while other causes of airway obstruction, such as foreign objects, vomit, blood, or anatomical factors like burns and punctures, can certainly lead to blockages, they are not as prevalent as the tongue's obstructive potential in many clinical scenarios. This underscores the importance of proper positioning and techniques designed to manage airway issues effectively, often starting with ensuring the tongue is not obstructing the airway, especially in unconscious patients.