How should the size of an oropharyngeal airway be measured?

How should the size of an oropharyngeal airway be measured?

• A. Corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw
• B. From ear to ear
• C. Nose to chin
• D. From sternum to chin

Answer: (A)

Measuring the size of an oropharyngeal airway is critical to ensure proper placement and optimal airway management. The correct method involves measuring from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw. This measurement helps in selecting an appropriate airway size that will fit comfortably within the patient’s oropharynx without causing trauma or obstruction. Using this measurement ensures that the airway maintains an open passage for ventilation while minimizing the risk of complications like airway trauma or gag reflex stimulation. An incorrect size can lead to ineffective ventilation or further complications during resuscitation. The other options do not provide accurate guidelines for sizing oropharyngeal airways and could lead to selection of an inappropriate size, negatively affecting airway patency.

Measuring the size of an oropharyngeal airway is critical to ensure proper placement and optimal airway management. The correct method involves measuring from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw. This measurement helps in selecting an appropriate airway size that will fit comfortably within the patient’s oropharynx without causing trauma or obstruction.

Using this measurement ensures that the airway maintains an open passage for ventilation while minimizing the risk of complications like airway trauma or gag reflex stimulation. An incorrect size can lead to ineffective ventilation or further complications during resuscitation.

The other options do not provide accurate guidelines for sizing oropharyngeal airways and could lead to selection of an inappropriate size, negatively affecting airway patency.