Cricoid pressure is contraindicated in which of the following patient conditions?

Cricoid pressure, also known as Sellick's maneuver, is applied during rapid sequence induction to prevent regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents. However, there are specific situations in which applying cricoid pressure can be contraindicated due to the potential for exacerbating an existing condition.

In cases of a cervical spine fracture, applying cricoid pressure can compromise the stability of the cervical spine, potentially leading to further injury or neurological complications. The maneuver requires significant force and can exacerbate any instability present in the cervical vertebrae, making it a critical consideration in trauma cases.

Hiatal hernia is another condition where cricoid pressure may be contraindicated. The hernia can lead to displacement of the stomach and can cause further complications if pressure is applied to the cricoid cartilage, which may inadvertently exacerbate the herniation or affect the passage of contents through the esophagus.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights the importance of evaluating the patient’s conditions before applying cricoid pressure, as both cervical spine fractures and hiatal hernias represent scenarios where the risks associated with the maneuver may outweigh the benefits.