Which method is primarily used to clear a blocked airway in an unconscious adult?

The jaw thrust maneuver is primarily used to clear a blocked airway in an unconscious adult because it effectively opens the airway without causing further injury to the cervical spine. In an unconscious individual, there is a risk of airway obstruction due to the tongue falling back into the throat. The jaw thrust maneuver allows the airway to be maintained by displacing the jaw forward and upward, which keeps the tongue away from the back of the throat and allows for better airflow.

In contrast, other methods such as back blows and abdominal thrusts, while effective for conscious individuals with choking, may not be suitable or safe for unconscious patients since they can potentially cause further injury or are less effective when the patient is not able to respond. Finger sweeps are only recommended if a visible obstruction can be seen in the mouth, and doing them without visualization can risk pushing the object further down the airway. Therefore, the jaw thrust maneuver is the preferred method for airway management in an unconscious adult.