Which device is a nasopharyngeal airway?

Which device is a nasopharyngeal airway?

• A. OPA
• B. LMA
• C. NPA
• D. King

Answer: (C)

A nasopharyngeal airway is a flexible tube inserted through the nostril into the nasopharynx to keep the airway open. It’s especially useful when you want to maintain patency in a patient who may have a gag reflex or when oral access is difficult, because it tends to be better tolerated than an oropharyngeal airway in semi-conscious patients. You place it with lubrication, small end first, and aim the bevel toward the nasal septum as you advance along the floor of the nasal cavity, measuring to the earlobe or angle of the jaw to choose the right size. If you meet resistance, back off and redirect rather than forcing it. This device is distinct from an oropharyngeal airway, which sits in the mouth to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway, and from supraglottic airways like the laryngeal mask or King airway, which seal above the glottis to facilitate ventilation. A nasopharyngeal airway should be avoided if there is suspected basal skull fracture or significant nasal trauma or epistaxis, and it’s not suitable if nasal passages are completely obstructed. In summary, the nasopharyngeal airway is the nasal route device designed to maintain airway patency by passing through the nose into the pharynx.

A nasopharyngeal airway is a flexible tube inserted through the nostril into the nasopharynx to keep the airway open. It’s especially useful when you want to maintain patency in a patient who may have a gag reflex or when oral access is difficult, because it tends to be better tolerated than an oropharyngeal airway in semi-conscious patients. You place it with lubrication, small end first, and aim the bevel toward the nasal septum as you advance along the floor of the nasal cavity, measuring to the earlobe or angle of the jaw to choose the right size. If you meet resistance, back off and redirect rather than forcing it.

This device is distinct from an oropharyngeal airway, which sits in the mouth to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway, and from supraglottic airways like the laryngeal mask or King airway, which seal above the glottis to facilitate ventilation. A nasopharyngeal airway should be avoided if there is suspected basal skull fracture or significant nasal trauma or epistaxis, and it’s not suitable if nasal passages are completely obstructed.

In summary, the nasopharyngeal airway is the nasal route device designed to maintain airway patency by passing through the nose into the pharynx.