What results in partial or total obstruction of the airway in an ...

[clippers!]

What results in partial or total obstruction of the airway in an unconscious patient?
 
  a. Closed mouth coexistent with nasal con-gestion.
  b. Epiglottis relaxes and occludes the laryn-geal opening.
  c. Relaxation of tongue and hypopharyngeal muscles.
  d. The uvula occluding the airway.

Question 2

The subdivisions of the pharynx include which of the following? 1. Nasopharynx 2. Oropharynx 3. Laryngopharynx
 
  a. 2 and 3 only
  b. 1 and 2 only
  c. 1 and 3 only
  d. 1, 2, and 3

[kxciann]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
During unconsciousness, the muscles of the tongue and hypopharynx can relax and allow the tongue and other soft tissues to collapse and occlude the opening of the hypopharynx. This con-dition can result in partial to complete blockage of the upper airway and limit air movement to and from the respiratory tract. This is a primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The pharynx is subdivided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx or laryngophar-ynx.