A family has called 911 for a 41-year-old male family member whom they cannot wake up. They state he has been threatening to kill himself and believe that he may have intentionally overdosed on his pain medications. As you enter the patient's bedroom, you observe him supine on the floor with his eyes closed. As he breathes, you hear snoring respirations. As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that this condition is likely caused by:

A) The nasopharynx being blocked by mucus or heavy secretions
B) The airway swelling shut
C) The tongue partially blocking the airway
D) The respiratory rate being less than 10 breaths/min

C) The tongue partially blocking the airway