jaw thrust


jaw thrust

(jaw thrŭst) An atypical pattern seen when there is a strong, sudden downward extension of the lower jaw elicited when the bottle, breast, cup, or spoon is presented or when communication is attempted. It can be accompanied by an overall increase in extensor muscle tone throughout the body. This response can result in food loss from within the oral cavity and can also dislocate the temporomandibular joint.

jaw thrust

A maneuver for opening the airway of unconscious patients or of patients who cannot control their own airway, by jutting the patient's jaw forward, which in turn moves the tongue away from the back of the throat. This procedure is especially used to open the airway of patients with suspected spinal injury because the cervical spine is not moved during a properly performed jaw thrust. See also: thrust