26.6i Basic Airway Adjuncts - Oropharyngeal Airway

oropharyngeal airway (OPA)

The (?) is a noninvasive semicircular plastic or rubber device designed to follow the palate’s curvature.

base of the tongue

It holds the (?) away from the posterior oropharynx, thus preventing it from obstructing the glottis.

no gag reflex

Its use is indicated in patients with (?).

easy to place

It is (?) using proper technique.

around and through

Air can pass ? the device

obstruction

It helps prevent (?) by the teeth and lips.

profoundly unconscious

It helps manage (?) patients who are breathing spontaneously or need mechanical ventilation.

large suction catheter

It makes suction of the pharynx easier because a (?) can pass on either side of the device.

bite block

It serves as an effective (?) in case of seizures and protects the endotracheal tube.

does not isolate the trachea

It (?) or prevent aspiration.

teeth are clenched

It cannot be inserted when the (?) .

obstruct the airway

It can (?) if not inserted properly.

dislodged

It is easily (?).

gag reflex

Return of the (?) can produce vomiting.

conscious

Do not use an OPA in (?) or semiconscious patients who have a gag reflex because it can cause vomiting (by stimulating the posterior tongue gag reflexes) or laryngospasm.

tolerates an oral airway

It is often said that a patient who (?) needs an oral airway.

resists placement

The converse is also true: A patient who (?) of the airway has an intact gag reflex, so an oral airway is not indicated.

#0, #6

OPAs are available in sizes ranging from (?) (for neonates) to ? (for large adults).

proper size

Selecting the (?) is important.

too long

If the airway is (?) , it can press the epiglottis against the entrance of the larynx, resulting in airway obstruction.

too small

If it is (?) , it cannot adequately hold the tongue forward.

measure

To (?) for the appropriate OPA, place the flange beside the patient’s cheek parallel to the front of the teeth.

angle of the jaw

A properly sized airway extends from the patient’s mouth to the (?).

curve is reversed

Make sure the (?) with the tip pointing toward the roof of the mouth.

Clear breath sounds and chest rise

(?) indicate correct placement.

tongue blade

An alternative insertion method useful in both pediatric and adult patients is to press the tongue upward and forward with a (?) , which also elevates the tongue from the posterior pharyngeal wall to allow the OPA’s proper placement.

flange is seated at the teeth

Then the airway can be advanced until the (?) .

preferred method

This is the (?) of airway insertion in infants and children.

airway obstruction

Oral and/or nasal airways should be considered in all obtunded older pediatric and adult patients and are mandatory when the patient has signs of (?) (“noisy breathing is obstructed breathing”) or BVM ventilation is difficult.

two nasal airways

These airways can also be used in combination, such as (?) , one nasal and one oral, and even two nasal and one oral airway in extreme circumstances.