Review questions: CPR

396. How do you determine the correct length of a nasopharyngeal airway?

The length of the nasal airway can be estimated as the distance from the nares to the meatus of the ears. 

397.  What are the advantages of using a nasopharyngeal airway over an oropharyngeal airway?

The NPA is preferred to the OPA in conscious patients because it is better tolerated and less likely to induce a gag reflex and they are better tolerated than oropharyngeal airways in awake or lightly anesthetized patients.

398.  What are some contraindications against inserting a nasopharyngeal airway device?

They are contraindicated in patients who are on anticoagulants, patients with basilar skull fractures, patients with nasal infections and deformities as well as in children (because of risk of epistaxis).

399. Describe some techniques for inserting an oropharyngeal device.

The preferred technique is to use a tongue blade to depress the tongue and then insert the airway posteriorly.  An alternate technique is to insert the oral airway upside down until the soft palate is reached.  Rotate the device 180 degrees and slip it over the tongue.

400.  How do you determine the correct length of a oropharyngeal airway?

The length of the airway can be estimated as the distance from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw.


Reviewed 2/28/16