In airway management, which option best describes the use of Magill forceps?

• A. Use Magill forceps for suction only.
• B. Visualize the airway but do not attempt removal.
• C. Suction and attempt removal with Magill forceps using direct visualization.
• D. Use Magill forceps to measure airway diameter.

Answer: (C)

Magill forceps are designed to grasp and remove a foreign body from the airway under direct visualization. In practice, you first clear the airway view (often with suction) and then use the curved jaws to grab the object you can see, withdrawing it while you watch the laryngoscope or direct view. This combination—suction to improve visibility and a careful removal with direct sight—best describes how Magill forceps are used.

They're not meant for suction alone, nor is the goal simply to visualize without removing anything, and they aren't used to measure airway diameter.