What technique should be used when assessing a child's airway?

Using the sniffing position is the recommended technique when assessing a child's airway. This body posture involves placing the child in a supine position with the head slightly elevated and extended at the neck, which helps to optimize alignment of the airway. This technique enhances the opening of the airway by aligning the oropharynx and laryngopharynx, reducing the likelihood of airway obstruction caused by the tongue or other anatomical structures.

The significance of using the sniffing position lies in its reliability for quickly facilitating access to the airway, especially during emergencies. It is particularly important in pediatric patients, as their anatomical structures can present unique challenges in airway management.

Other techniques have their uses but do not specifically cater to the optimal positioning of a child’s airway like the sniffing position does. For instance, neutral alignment is typically more stable for maintaining an airway but may not provide the optimal angle for access. The log roll technique is used for assessing the spine and maintaining spinal alignment, and the jaw thrust maneuver is primarily intended for opening the airway in cases of a suspected spinal injury but does not facilitate the alignment needed for ventilation.