Advanced Medical Life Support Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Airway management becomes critical in situations where a patient has collapsed because this scenario often indicates a significant compromise in the patient’s ability to maintain their airway. When a patient loses consciousness, they may no longer be able to ventilate effectively or protect their airway from obstruction due to their tongue falling back, or from other factors such as fluid or blood. Ensuring a patent airway is essential in such cases to provide adequate oxygenation and prevent hypoxia, which can lead to further complications or death.

In comparison, when a patient is breathing normally or is conscious and alert, their airway is typically not compromised, allowing for a more stable respiratory situation. In cases of cardiac arrest, while airway management is essential, it is part of a broader picture that includes circulation and compressions and is not the sole focus. Thus, recognizing the urgency of airway management during a collapse aligns with the critical need to secure the airway to preserve life and minimize further injury.