What should you avoid when assessing an infant’s airway?

When assessing an infant’s airway, hyperextending the neck is to be avoided because it can potentially obstruct the airway rather than open it. The anatomy of infants is different from that of adults; their airways are more flexible and can close off when too much extension occurs. Therefore, maintaining a neutral position is crucial. It is typically recommended to keep the head in a slightly elevated position or at a neutral alignment to ensure that the airway remains open and unobstructed.

Additionally, understanding the other choices provides valuable context but focusing on the technique of positioning helps clarify why hyperextension is particularly harmful in infants. For instance, restricting breathing, using a head-tilt/chin lift, or applying pressure could still be techniques that, when used properly, have specific guidelines related to infant care and do not pose the same level of risk as inappropriate neck extension. Maintaining appropriate airway positioning while ensuring that the infant can breathe effectively is essential in any life support situation.