NREMT EMT Question Answer
What characteristics of the pediatric airway are different from the adult airway?
Proportionately smaller tongue and proportionately smaller occiput
Proportionately larger tongue and proportionately smaller occiput
Proportionately smaller tongue and proportionately larger occiput
Proportionately larger tongue and proportionately larger occiput
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:
Compared to adults, pediatric patients have:
A proportionately larger tongue, which increases the risk of airway obstruction
A larger occiput, which causes natural neck flexion when lying supine, potentially occluding the airway
This anatomical difference is why EMS providers often use a shoulder roll instead of a head tilt to maintain a neutral airway in infants and toddlers.
TESTED 24 Feb 2026
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