Nasopharyngeal Airway

Question 1

NPA - Indications

Answer 1

• better tolerated than OPA in the semi-conscious patient or those with trismus or dental trauma
• measured from corner of nares to tragus, with lubricant to insert

Question 2

NPA - Contraindications

Answer 2

• middle third facial #
• significant nasal trauma
• TBI with patent airway despite trismus

Question 3

NPA - Precautions

Answer 3

# base of skull or facial #s
# bleeding from nares / ears