When should you insert a nasopharyngeal airway?

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.

What are the indications for a nasopharyngeal airway?

Indications for an NPA include relief of upper airway obstruction in awake, semicomatose, or lightly anesthetized patients; in patients who are not adequately treated with OPAs; in patients undergoing dental procedures or with oropharyngeal trauma; and in patients requiring oropharyngeal or laryngopharyngeal suctioning …

Why would you use a nasopharyngeal airway?

Nasopharyngeal airways are also used to keep the airway open and can be used with patients who are conscious or semi-conscious. For example, semi-conscious patients may need an NPA because they are at risk for airway obstruction but cannot have an OPA placed due to an intact gag reflex.

When should you use an NPA?

Unlike the oral airway, NPAs may be used in conscious or semiconscious individuals (individuals with intact cough and gag reflex). The NPA is indicated when insertion of an OPA is technically difficult or dangerous. NPA placement can be facilitated by the use of a lubricant.

Do you insert nasopharyngeal airway during seizure?

Start by positioning the patient on their side, suction the oropharynx and insert a nasal airway to clear a path for oxygenation and ventilation. Do not place anything in a seizure patient’s mouth.

What is the most serious potential complication of nasopharyngeal airway insertion?

Cribriform Insertion Cribriform insertion is perhaps the most catastrophic complication of a nasopharyngeal airway, but it is also the least likely. Improper technique can cause the tube to enter the cribriform plate, causing soft tissue or skull damage, and potentially even penetrating the brain.

When do you not use a nasopharyngeal airway?

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.

How often should a nasopharyngeal airway be changed?

More frequent occlusions may occur during this time from the trauma of initial insertion. After this period it should be routinely changed every 5-7 days, with alternating nostrils utilised. If the NPT is required over long-term, size and length may need adjusting according to patient’s growth.

Do you stop breathing during seizure?

During the tonic phase of the seizure, they may temporarily stop breathing and their face may become dusky or blue, especially around the mouth. This period is usually brief (usually no more than 30 to 45 seconds) and does not require CPR.

What do Emts do during a seizure?

Stay with the person until the seizure ends and they are fully awake. After it ends, help the person sit in a safe place. Once they are alert and able to communicate, tell them what happened in basic terms. Comfort the person and speak calmly.

How to position a patient for a nasopharyngeal airway?

Positioning for Nasopharyngeal Airway The sniffing position—only in the absence of cervical spine injury: Position the patient supine on the stretcher. Align the upper airway for optimal air passage by placing the patient into a proper sniffing position.

When to insert a nasopharyngeal airway in children?

The degree of head elevation that best aligns the ear and sternal notch varies (eg, none in children with large occiputs, a large degree in obese patients). As necessary, clear the oropharynx of obstructing secretions, vomitus, or foreign material. Determine the appropriate size of the airway.

When to use the oropharyngeal ( op ) Airways?

Oropharyngeal (OP) airways should only be used on unresponsive patients. OP airways should not be used if: The patient is conscious. The patient’s gag reflex is still intact. The patient’s teeth are clenched and you have to force open their jaw.

How does the nasopharyngeal airway help prevent hypertrophic tissue?

Nasopharyngeal Airway 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.