Airway
Which of the following patients would MOST likely benefit from the use of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)?
- A. A 24-year-old male with a severe head injury and blood draining from the nose
- B. A 45-year-old female who is semi-conscious and has a gag reflex
- C. A 60-year-old male in cardiac arrest
- D. A 6-year-old female with a suspected skull fracture
Answer: B. An NPA is indicated for patients who require an airway adjunct but have an intact gag reflex, which contraindicates an Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA). It is contraindicated in cases of severe head injury or suspected basilar skull fracture (indicated by blood from the nose) because it could push into the cranium.