OPA

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

Airway device that holds the tongue away from the back of the throat to prevent it from obstructing breathing.
Advantages:
Easy to place using proper technique.
Helps prevent obstruction by teeth and lips.
Helps manage unconscious patients who need mechanical ventilation.
Serves as a bite block in case of seizure.
Disadvantages:
Vomiting may occur if gag reflex is present.
Cannot be inserted if trismus is present.
Easily dislodged.
Does not isolate the trachea or prevent aspiration.

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Routinely placed in patients who need airway support, unless there is a good reason not to.

Question 3

Contraindications & Cautions

Answer 3

Patients who are conscious.

Patients who are semi-conscious, and have a gag reflex (may cause vomiting)

Question 4

Complications

Answer 4

Gagging, vomiting and aspiration.
Trauma to the soft issues of the tongue, palate and pharynx.
Dental injury from biting down.
Does not provide adequate airways support without positioning using head-tilt-lift or jaw thrust. When feasible place patient on side.

Question 5

Procedure

Answer 5

1. Select size of OPA (corner of mouth to bottom of ear)
2. Insert OPA (upwards & rotate for adults, downwards straight in for kids)
3. Ensure flange is sitting against teeth.
4. Document the application.