Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

Which airway adjunct is commonly used on unconscious patients?

1. Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)

2. Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)

3. Bag-valve mask (BVM)

4. Endotracheal tube

The correct answer is: Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)

The oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is often utilized on unconscious patients because it is specifically designed to help maintain an open airway by preventing the tongue from obstructing the oropharynx. When a patient is unresponsive, their ability to protect their airways diminishes, increasing the risk of airway obstruction due to the collapse of the tongue into the airway. The OPA is shaped in a way that allows it to be inserted into the mouth, directing the tongue forward and out of the airway, thereby facilitating ventilation. Using an OPA in unconscious patients is preferable since they do not have a gag reflex, meaning that the insertion of the airway adjunct is less likely to provoke discomfort or induce vomiting. It is important to ensure that the OPA is of appropriate size for the patient, as an improperly sized device can either fail to maintain airway patency or cause injury. In contrast, each of the alternatives, while having their specific applications, is not suitable for this particular scenario. A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) might be used in semiconscious patients who maintain a gag reflex, while a bag-valve mask (BVM) is a ventilation device rather than an adjunct specifically for maintaining airway patency. An