What is the correct airway management for an adult during CPR?

The head-tilt/chin-lift technique is the preferred method for opening the airway in an adult during CPR because it effectively moves the tongue away from the back of the throat, which can block the airway. This technique is simple to perform and readily accessible in emergency situations, making it a standard practice for trained responders. It is important for maximizing the chance of successful ventilation when performing CPR.

While the modified jaw-thrust maneuver is also a valid technique, it is specifically used for patients who may have a spinal injury, to avoid any further injury to the neck. The nasopharyngeal airway can be useful in specific scenarios, particularly when the person is unresponsive but does have a gag reflex, though it is not typically used as the first step in basic adult CPR airway management. The notion that all methods are equally effective overlooks the specific guidelines for airway management in adult victims during CPR, where the head-tilt/chin-lift is recommended as the first choice.