How can unconsciousness affect a person’s airway?

When a person becomes unconscious, the muscles in the body relax, including those in the throat and mouth. One of the critical consequences of this relaxation is that the tongue can fall back into the airway, potentially obstructing it. This is particularly concerning in unconscious individuals, as the loss of muscle tone may prevent them from repositioning their tongue to keep the airway clear, increasing the risk of asphyxia or respiratory distress.

The other options do not accurately describe the effects of unconsciousness on the airway. The airway does not become too tight; rather, it can become obstructed due to the tongue's position. Fluid accumulation can occur for various reasons, but it is not a direct or immediate consequence of unconsciousness. Likewise, throat muscles typically relax rather than contract during unconsciousness, which can further exacerbate airway obstruction. Understanding these physiological changes is critical for effective airway management and emergency response in unconscious individuals.