Which maneuver is used to open the airway of an unresponsive patient?

The head tilt-chin lift maneuver is the appropriate technique to open the airway of an unresponsive patient who has no suspected spinal injury. This method allows for the alignment of the airway by tilting the head backward and lifting the chin, which lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat and minimizes airway obstruction caused by the tongue or soft tissues.

In cases where there is a suspected spinal injury, the jaw thrust maneuver would be preferred to maintain spinal alignment while still helping to open the airway. However, since the question does not specify spinal injury concerns and mentions an unresponsive patient situation generally, the head tilt-chin lift is often taught as the first approach to ensure the airway is clear.

Other options are less relevant in this context. The abdominal thrust maneuver is used for relieving choking but does not assist in airway management of an unresponsive individual. A finger sweep is a technique used to remove visible obstructions in the airway but is not appropriate as a primary maneuver to open the airway.