A patent airway means which of the following?

• A. Open airway
• B. Clear alveoli
• C. Normal tidal volume
• D. Adequate oxygenation

Answer: (A)

An open and unobstructed airway is essential for ventilation; a patent airway means air can move freely from the mouth or nose into the trachea and lungs. When the airway is patent, ventilation can occur and oxygen can reach the alveoli for gas exchange. The other ideas describe related but different concepts: clearing alveoli relates to gas exchange in the lungs themselves, normal tidal volume is the amount of air moved per breath, and adequate oxygenation depends on both ventilation and perfusion rather than the airway’s openness alone. In practice, you assess patency by looking for signs of obstruction and using maneuvers or suction to keep the airway open, ensuring air can flow into the lungs.