BLS Hospital Corpsman Practice Exam

The primary goal of the head-tilt/chin lift technique is to ensure airway patency in an unconscious patient. This maneuver is crucial because it opens the airway by repositioning the tongue and allowing for unobstructed airflow. When a person is unconscious, the muscles of the throat can relax to the point where the tongue obstructs the airway; using the head-tilt/chin lift technique helps lift the tongue away from the back of the throat, making it easier for air to pass through.

Other choices do not align with the primary goal of this technique. While first aid for choking is important, the head-tilt/chin lift is not specifically designed for that situation; other methods, like the Heimlich maneuver, are more appropriate for choking. Additionally, beginning CPR, although critical in cardiac arrest situations, is separate from the goal of maintaining an open airway. Assessing the depth of breath sounds does not occur directly through this technique, as it is more about ensuring the airway is clear rather than evaluating respiratory function. Thus, option B is integral to providing effective care for unconscious patients.