What is the primary reason to use a nasopharyngeal airway in an unconscious patient?

What is the primary reason to use a nasopharyngeal airway in an unconscious patient?

• A. To stimulate breathing
• B. To provide an airway
• C. To apply oxygen directly
• D. To improve circulation

Answer: (B)

The primary reason to use a nasopharyngeal airway in an unconscious patient is to provide an airway. In unconscious patients, the loss of protective airway reflexes can result in airway obstruction due to the tongue falling back against the oropharynx. A nasopharyngeal airway serves to maintain patency of the airway by allowing air to flow freely into the trachea, circumventing potential obstructions from the tongue or soft tissues. Its design enables it to be inserted into the nasal passage and extend into the pharynx without causing trauma, which is particularly beneficial in patients who may have a gag reflex—or in cases where an oropharyngeal airway may not be suitable. Using a nasopharyngeal airway does not stimulate breathing directly, provide oxygen, or improve circulation. Those functions require separate interventions, such as rescue breathing or oxygen delivery methods, and fluid resuscitation or other supporting measures for circulation. Therefore, in the context of airway management for an unconscious patient, the key purpose of a nasopharyngeal airway is to ensure that the airway remains open for adequate ventilation, aligning with the objective of preventing hypoxia and ensuring oxygenation of vital organs.

The primary reason to use a nasopharyngeal airway in an unconscious patient is to provide an airway. In unconscious patients, the loss of protective airway reflexes can result in airway obstruction due to the tongue falling back against the oropharynx. A nasopharyngeal airway serves to maintain patency of the airway by allowing air to flow freely into the trachea, circumventing potential obstructions from the tongue or soft tissues. Its design enables it to be inserted into the nasal passage and extend into the pharynx without causing trauma, which is particularly beneficial in patients who may have a gag reflex—or in cases where an oropharyngeal airway may not be suitable.

Using a nasopharyngeal airway does not stimulate breathing directly, provide oxygen, or improve circulation. Those functions require separate interventions, such as rescue breathing or oxygen delivery methods, and fluid resuscitation or other supporting measures for circulation. Therefore, in the context of airway management for an unconscious patient, the key purpose of a nasopharyngeal airway is to ensure that the airway remains open for adequate ventilation, aligning with the objective of preventing hypoxia and ensuring oxygenation of vital organs.