1.2 Primary Airway Ajunctions (OPA, NPA)

Flashcards – Primary Airway Adjuncts

Q: What is the primary purpose of airway adjuncts?
A: To maintain airway patency in unconscious patients, in combination with positioning.

Q: When is an OPA indicated?
A: Unconscious patient with no gag reflex.

Q: When is an OPA contraindicated?
A: Trismus, presence of gag reflex, brain injury with adequate ventilation.

Q: What is the main risk of using an OPA in a brain injury patient?
A: Increased intracranial pressure from gag reflex.

Q: What is the function of an NPA?
A: Displaces tongue and soft tissue anteriorly via nasal route to maintain airflow.

Q: Can NPAs be used with a gag reflex?
A: Yes – also usable in trismus or oral trauma.

Q: What injuries require extreme caution with NPA use?
A: Facial fracture or base of skull fracture.

Q: What are signs of a base of skull fracture?
A: Raccoon eyes, CSF leak from nose/ears, bleeding from ears, Battle sign.

Q: What complications can occur if an NPA is too long?
A: Laryngospasm, airway occlusion, oesophageal placement.

Q: What is the first preference in brain injury patients – adjunct or positioning?
A: Positioning.