Overview
Airway adjuncts are used to relieve upper airway obstruction.
Oropharyngeal Airway
An oropharyngeal airway is also known as a Guedel airway.
Sizing an Oropharyngeal Airway
- Measure the airway from the angle of the mandible to the maxillary incisors.
How to Insert
- Use suction to ensure that the mouth is clear of secretions
- Angle the airway superiorly, toward the palate
- Insert the airway into the oral cavity
- Once the airway reaches the oropharynx, rotate it 180 degrees toward the larynx
Contraindications
- Conscious patients
- If the patient can cough or has a gag reflex
Nasopharyngeal Airway
Sizing a Nasopharyngeal Airway
- Measure the airway from the tip of the earlobe to the nostril.
How to Insert
- Point the bevel of the airway toward the midline
- Insert the airway backward into the nasal cavity, until the flange reaches the nostril.
Lubricant may be used to facilitate insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway.
Contraindications
- Suspected nasal / base of skull fracture
- Active bleeding from the nose
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