What is the main difference between an oropharyngeal airway and a nasopharyngeal airway?

As the name implies, an oropharyngeal airway is placed in the mouth and a nasopharyngeal airway is inserted through the nose. The distal end stops at the level of the pharynx.

What are the different indications for an oral airway Opa & nasal airway NPA )?

Only use an OPA in unresponsive individuals with NO cough or gag reflex. Otherwise, an OPA may stimulate vomiting, laryngeal spasm, or aspiration. An NPA can be used in conscious individuals with intact cough and gag reflex. However, use carefully in individuals with facial trauma due to the risk of displacement.

Why should nasopharyngeal airway not be used?

NPAs should not be used on patients who have nasal fractures or an actively bleeding nose. In some cases, slight bleeding may occur when you insert the airway, which can be suctioned or wiped away.

When would we use an nasopharyngeal airway NPA?

An NPA is often used in conscious patients where an oropharyngeal airway would trigger the gag reflex. They are contraindicated in patients with severe facial trauma, as they may have an altered facial anatomy (particularly concerning the nasal passageways) and inserting an NPA may cause additional harm to the patient.

Why is oropharyngeal airway used?

An oropharyngeal airway (also known as an oral airway, OPA or Guedel pattern airway) is a medical device called an airway adjunct used to maintain or open a patient’s airway. It does this by preventing the tongue from covering the epiglottis, which could prevent the person from breathing.

How is a nasopharyngeal airway placed?

Starts here1:51EMS Skills – Nasopharyngeal Airway Insertion – YouTubeYouTube

What are advantages and disadvantages of oral and nasal airways?

Both nasal and oral route for intubation have advantages and disadvantages. Oral intubation is easier to perform, faster and less painful than nasal intubation under direct laryngoscopy, while blind nasal intubation represents a good alternative in conscious patient, without sedation.

Why are base of skull fractures contraindicated for a nasopharyngeal airway?

NPA placement is absolutely contraindicated when the patient has a basilar skull fracture. Therefore, if placed in a patient with a basilar skull fracture you risk the NPA going cephalad toward the brain and causing central nervous system (CNS) damage.

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of a nasopharyngeal airway NPA?

Absolute contraindications for NPA and NT intubation include signs of basilar skull fractures, facial trauma, and disruption of the midface, nasopharynx or roof of the mouth.

What is the purpose of a nasopharyngeal?

An NPA is a tube that is designed to provide an airway passage from the nose to the posterior pharynx. NPAs can create a patent pathway and help avoid airway obstruction due to hypertrophic tissue. The NPA creates a patent airway throughout the distance of the tube.

When is nasopharyngeal tube used?

Nasopharyngeal airways can be used in some settings where oropharyngeal airways cannot, eg, oral trauma or trismus (restriction of mouth opening including spasm of muscles of mastication). Nasopharyngeal airways may also help facilitate bag-valve-mask ventilation.

Why is the oropharyngeal airway inserted upside down?

An airway that is too large may reach the laryngeal inlet and result in trauma or laryngeal hyperactivity and laryngospasm. It is common practice by some clinicians to insert an oropharyngeal airway device upside down, or convex to the natural curvature of the tongue and then to rotate the airway 180 degrees.