1.2 Primary Airway Adjuncts

FLASHCARDS: PARA127 Module 1.2 – Primary Airway Adjuncts

Flashcard 1
Q: What is the purpose of primary airway adjuncts?
A: To help maintain airway patency in unconscious patients, usually alongside correct positioning.

Flashcard 2
Q: What are the two primary airway adjuncts used in BLS?
A: Oropharyngeal airway (OPA) and Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA).

Flashcard 3
Q: What is the function of an OPA?
A: It holds the tongue off the epiglottis to maintain a clear airway via the mouth.

Flashcard 4
Q: What is the function of an NPA?
A: It is inserted into the nostril to displace the tongue and soft tissue anteriorly, allowing airflow.

Flashcard 5
Q: When is an OPA indicated?
A: To support airway patency in an unconscious patient without a gag reflex.

Flashcard 6
Q: What are the contraindications for OPA use?
A:

• Trismus

• Intact gag reflex

• Traumatic or non-traumatic brain injuries with adequate ventilation

Flashcard 7
Q: What precaution must be taken when using an OPA?
A: Incorrect sizing or placement may worsen airway obstruction.

Flashcard 8
Q: When is an NPA indicated?
A: To support airway patency in unconscious patients, especially when OPA is contraindicated.

Flashcard 9
Q: What are the precautions for NPA use?
A:

• Facial or base of skull fractures

• Traumatic/non-traumatic brain injuries

• Risk of increased intracranial pressure

Flashcard 10
Q: What are signs of a base of skull fracture?
A:

• Raccoon eyes (periorbital bruising)

• CSF leaking from ears/nose

• Battle’s sign (bruising behind the ears)

• Bleeding from ears

Flashcard 11
Q: Can an NPA be used if the patient has a gag reflex or trismus?
A: Yes, NPAs can be used in patients with a gag reflex, trismus, or oral trauma—unlike OPAs.

Flashcard 12
Q: Why must OPAs and NPAs be used cautiously in brain injury patients?
A: They may trigger a gag reflex, increasing intracranial pressure and worsening the injury.

Flashcard 13
Q: What is the first-line intervention before using an airway adjunct?
A: Positioning the patient to maintain airway patency.