When should a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) be contraindicated?

When should a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) be contraindicated?

• A. If the patient has a suspected skull fracture
• B. When the patient is unconscious
• C. In cases of severe facial trauma
• D. When the patient is in respiratory distress

Answer: (A)

A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a type of airway adjunct that can be used to maintain airway patency, especially in patients who are unable to maintain their own airway. However, its use is contraindicated in certain situations, particularly when there is a suspected skull fracture. This is primarily due to the risk of penetrating the cranial cavity with the device if an injury to the skull base is present. The NPA is inserted through the nose and can potentially enter the cranial space in cases of a basal skull fracture, which can lead to serious complications such as intracranial hemorrhage or infection. In contrast, while it’s true that other conditions such as being unconscious or having severe facial trauma may complicate the use of an NPA, they do not carry the same level of contraindication. Unconscious patients may still have their airway managed with an NPA, provided there are no further contraindications like a skull fracture. Additionally, severe facial trauma can indeed make the insertion difficult and may present challenges, but it is not an outright contraindication like the suspected skull fracture. Respiratory distress alone does not contraindicate the use of an NPA; rather, it may require airway support. Thus, the presence of

A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a type of airway adjunct that can be used to maintain airway patency, especially in patients who are unable to maintain their own airway. However, its use is contraindicated in certain situations, particularly when there is a suspected skull fracture. This is primarily due to the risk of penetrating the cranial cavity with the device if an injury to the skull base is present. The NPA is inserted through the nose and can potentially enter the cranial space in cases of a basal skull fracture, which can lead to serious complications such as intracranial hemorrhage or infection.

In contrast, while it’s true that other conditions such as being unconscious or having severe facial trauma may complicate the use of an NPA, they do not carry the same level of contraindication. Unconscious patients may still have their airway managed with an NPA, provided there are no further contraindications like a skull fracture. Additionally, severe facial trauma can indeed make the insertion difficult and may present challenges, but it is not an outright contraindication like the suspected skull fracture. Respiratory distress alone does not contraindicate the use of an NPA; rather, it may require airway support. Thus, the presence of