NPA and OPA

Question 1

Define NPA

Answer 1

Nasopharyngeal Airway

Question 2

Define OPA

Answer 2

Oropharyngeal Airway

Question 3

Indications for NPA?

Answer 3

• Conscious or semi-conscious requiring airway management.
• Intact gag reflex, but requires airway management.
• Oral or mandibular trauma.
• Trismus.

Question 4

Contraindications for NPA?

Answer 4

• Upper facial trauma.

- Suspected Basilar skull fracture. ( Racoon eyes, Battles sign, CSF leaks from ears or nose)

Question 5

Types of NPA?

Answer 5

Type I - Single piece.

Type II - With adjustable slide.

Question 6

Which nostril is generally larger and more commonly used to insert NPA?

Answer 6

Right nose hole.

Question 7

On an NPA which direction should the bevel face?

Answer 7

Towards the septum if possible.

Question 8

How much of the NPA should be lubricated?

Answer 8

2 - 3cm.

Question 9

Disadvantages of an NPA?

Answer 9

• Difficult to suction NPA.
• May cause nose bleeds.
• Presence of blood or nasal drainage can cause difficulties.

Question 10

Indications of an OPA?

Answer 10

• Unconsciousness.

- No gag reflex.

Question 11

Contraindications of an OPA?

Answer 11

• Gag reflex
• Consciousness.
• Lower facial trauma.

Question 12

How to determine appropriate size of an OPA and NPA?

Answer 12

OPA - Measure edge of mouth to ear lobe.

NPA - Measure edge of nose to ear lobe.

Question 13

What should be done if patient gags on OPA?

Answer 13

Remove. Insert NPA.

Question 14

Diameter ranges for an NPA?

Answer 14

20 F to 36 F. (French)

Question 15

Size ranges for an OPA?

Answer 15

40mm (infants) to 110mm (adults)

Question 16

Why might an OPA be beneficial to use alongside an ETT?

Answer 16

It can be used as a biteblock, preventing the patient to collapse the ETT.