How should you assess a patient's airway?

The correct approach to assess a patient's airway involves looking, listening, and feeling for breathing sounds and air movement. This method allows the medic to determine the effectiveness of the patient’s airway patency and breathing status. Observing the chest for movement provides visual confirmation of ventilatory effort, while listening for breath sounds can indicate if air is passing through the airway. Additionally, feeling for air movement at the mouth or nose confirms that the airway is open and functioning properly.

In contrast, asking the patient to cough might not accurately assess the airway's condition, especially if the patient is unable to respond effectively due to an obstructed airway or altered consciousness. Checking pulse oximetry focuses on oxygen saturation and provides limited information about the airway itself; it assumes the airway is open to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. Observing facial symmetry and coloration can give clues about overall circulation and oxygenation but does not specifically address whether the airway is clear and functioning. Thus, looking, listening, and feeling for breathing sounds and air movement is the most comprehensive and direct method for airway assessment.