Which airway adjunct is inserted into the mouth to prevent the tongue from occluding the airway in an unconscious patient?

Which airway adjunct is inserted into the mouth to prevent the tongue from occluding the airway in an unconscious patient?

• A. Nasopharyngeal (NPA)
• B. Suctioning
• C. Nebulizer
• D. Oropharyngeal (OPA)

Answer: (D)

Unconscious patients often lose muscle tone, causing the tongue to fall back and block the airway. An oropharyngeal airway is designed to fit in the mouth and hold the tongue away from the back of the throat, keeping the airway open and allowing ventilation or delivery of breaths and other airway devices. Its curved shape is inserted into the mouth and positioned so the tongue can’t occlude the passage. This is the best fit because it specifically prevents tongue obstruction by acting as a prop in the oropharynx, and it is placed through the mouth as described. The other options don’t serve this purpose: a nasopharyngeal airway goes through the nose, suctioning removes secretions rather than maintaining airway patency, and a nebulizer delivers medication rather than keeping the airway open.

Unconscious patients often lose muscle tone, causing the tongue to fall back and block the airway. An oropharyngeal airway is designed to fit in the mouth and hold the tongue away from the back of the throat, keeping the airway open and allowing ventilation or delivery of breaths and other airway devices. Its curved shape is inserted into the mouth and positioned so the tongue can’t occlude the passage.

This is the best fit because it specifically prevents tongue obstruction by acting as a prop in the oropharynx, and it is placed through the mouth as described. The other options don’t serve this purpose: a nasopharyngeal airway goes through the nose, suctioning removes secretions rather than maintaining airway patency, and a nebulizer delivers medication rather than keeping the airway open.