Where should you place your hands when using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver to open an unconscious patient's airway?

The head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver is an essential technique used to open the airway of an unconscious patient. The correct placement of the hands is crucial for effectively lifting the chin and tilting the head back to ensure that the airway is clear.

When using this technique, placing one hand on the forehead helps to tilt the head back by applying gentle pressure. The other hand's fingertips should be positioned under the lower jaw to lift the chin. This configuration not only helps to align the airway but also minimizes the risk of compressing soft tissues that could obstruct airway passages. By lifting the chin upward while tilting the head back, you create a straight path from the mouth through the throat into the trachea, allowing for optimal airflow.

The other configurations mentioned in the incorrect options fail to provide the same level of efficacy in airway management. For example, pinching the nose or awkwardly positioning the hands could hinder the ability to fully open the airway or observe breathing and other vital signs. Thus, the placement of the hands as described is the most effective and recognized practice in emergency medical care for airway management.