Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)
A NPA is used for patients with compromised airway. Can be used for patients with a gag reflex. Most likely to be used in conjunction with airway maneuvers to improve air passage through the nasopharynx and oropharynx. Can be used with OPA and another NPA in unresponsive patients. Contraindicated in head trauma.
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- Find the correct size by measuring from the tip of the nose to the earlobe
- Lubricate the distal tip generously, avoiding the lumen
- Insert tip with the bevel facing the nasal septum, into the patient’s nostril
- Increase the angle and “aim” toward the earlobe as you insert
- Gently rotate back and forth as you meet resistance
- Do not force! Try other nostril or smaller size if needed.
NPA Sizing. Images by Holly Edwins, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.[/caption]
NPA Insertion. Images by Holly Edwins, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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NPA |
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5 (instructor) |
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Initials |
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