What should be assessed when checking a patient’s airway?

When assessing a patient's airway, the patency of the airway is crucial. An open and unobstructed airway is essential for adequate ventilation and oxygenation. If the airway is not patent, it can lead to respiratory distress or failure, as air cannot flow freely into the lungs.

Evaluating the patency involves checking for any obstructions, such as swelling, foreign objects, or anatomical abnormalities that could impede airflow. This assessment is fundamental for both conscious and unconscious patients, as maintaining a clear airway is the first step in ensuring proper breathing and oxygen delivery to the body.

The other aspects, such as breathing sounds, heart rate, and blood pressure, while important in assessing a patient's overall condition, do not directly measure whether the airway is clear and functional. They are secondary evaluations that follow the primary assessment of airway patency.