Which step involves the tongue when assessing the airway?

• A. Pull tongue forward and check for obstructions
• B. Push tongue forward to clear obstructions
• C. Bite the tongue
• D. Ignore the tongue

Answer: (B)

When checking the airway, the goal is to keep the passage open and free of obstructions, and the tongue can easily block the airway by falling back toward the throat. The step that involves the tongue is pushing it forward to clear obstructions. By moving the tongue forward, you move it away from the back of the throat, which helps air pass through and lets you see if anything is blocking the airway behind it. This direct action is what creates a clear airway so you can continue with assessment or rescue breaths. Biting the tongue is dangerous and inappropriate, and ignoring the tongue would leave the airway blocked. Pulling the tongue forward to inspect is less about clearing the airway and more about visibility, so pushing forward to clear obstructions is the more effective, purposeful step.