How to Insert a Nasopharyngeal Airway

How to Insert a Nasopharyngeal Airway

One of the causes of an Upper Airway Obstruction includes a backwards displacement of the tongue in an unconscious person. One solution to this, is to insert a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA).

Some of the useful situations in which I would consider a Nasopharyneal Airway over an Oropharyngeal Airway include, when the patient has trismus, is clenching their teeth, or has injuries to their mouth making an oropharyngeal airway difficult or inappropriate.

To insert a Nasopharyngeal Airway I measure it first, by measuring from the ear lobe through to the tip of the nose.

I then lubricate the NPA fully (with a water based lubricant, but each hospital or health service may have a preferred type of lubricant).

Insert it gently, but firmly through the largest nostril. Don’t forget, the nasal passage goes backwards at a right angle to the face.