Which feature is characteristic of Pierre Robin sequence and contributes to airway concerns?

• A. Glossoptosis causes airway obstruction
• B. Hypertonia of limbs
• C. Cleft lip always present
• D. No airway risk

Answer: (C)

Pierre Robin sequence typically involves micrognathia (a small lower jaw) that causes the tongue to sit back toward the throat (glossoptosis). This backward tongue position can narrow or completely obstruct the airway, especially during feeding or sleep, making airway obstruction a central concern. While cleft palate often occurs with this condition, cleft lip is not a defining or always-present feature, so saying a cleft lip is always present isn’t accurate. Hypertonia of the limbs isn’t characteristically related to Pierre Robin sequence, and saying there’s no airway risk is incorrect. The feature that most directly contributes to airway concerns is glossoptosis causing airway obstruction.