Insertion of nasopharyngeal airway (npa)

Do not use a nasopharygeal airway in a patient with midface fractures or suspected basilar skull fracture

STEP 1. Assess the nasal passages for any apparent obstruction (e.g., polyps, fractures, or hemorrhage).

STEP 2. Select the proper size of airway. Look at the nostril diameter to determine the greatest size that will pass easily through the nostril.

STEP 3. Lubricate the nasopharyngeal airway with a water-soluble lubricant or tap water.

STEP 4. With the patient’s head in neutral position, stand to the side of the patient. Holding the NPA like a pencil, gently insert the tip of the airway into the nostril and direct it posteriorly and toward the ear.

STEP 5. Gently insert the nasopharyngeal airway through the nostril into the hypopharynx with a slight rotating motion, until the flange rests against the nostril. If during insertion the NPA meets any resistance, remove the NPA and attempt insertion on the other side. If the NPA causes the patient to cough or gag, slightly withdraw the NPA to relieve the cough or gag and then proceed. STEP 6. Reassess the patient to ensure that the airway is now patent.

Insertion of nasopharyngeal airway (npa)

Do not use a nasopharygeal airway in a patient with midface fractures or suspected basilar skull fracture

STEP 1. Assess the nasal passages for any apparent obstruction (e.g., polyps, fractures, or hemorrhage).

STEP 2. Select the proper size of airway. Look at the nostril diameter to determine the greatest size that will pass easily through the nostril.

STEP 3. Lubricate the nasopharyngeal airway with a water-soluble lubricant or tap water.

STEP 4. With the patient’s head in neutral position, stand to the side of the patient. Holding the NPA like a pencil, gently insert the tip of the airway into the nostril and direct it posteriorly and toward the ear.

STEP 5. Gently insert the nasopharyngeal airway through the nostril into the hypopharynx with a slight rotating motion, until the flange rests against the nostril. If during insertion the NPA meets any resistance, remove the NPA and attempt insertion on the other side. If the NPA causes the patient to cough or gag, slightly withdraw the NPA to relieve the cough or gag and then proceed. STEP 6. Reassess the patient to ensure that the airway is now patent.

Insertion of nasopharyngeal airway (npa)

Do not use a nasopharygeal airway in a patient with midface fractures or suspected basilar skull fracture

STEP 1. Assess the nasal passages for any apparent obstruction (e.g., polyps, fractures, or hemorrhage).

STEP 2. Select the proper size of airway. Look at the nostril diameter to determine the greatest size that will pass easily through the nostril.

STEP 3. Lubricate the nasopharyngeal airway with a water-soluble lubricant or tap water.

STEP 4. With the patient’s head in neutral position, stand to the side of the patient. Holding the NPA like a pencil, gently insert the tip of the airway into the nostril and direct it posteriorly and toward the ear.

STEP 5. Gently insert the nasopharyngeal airway through the nostril into the hypopharynx with a slight rotating motion, until the flange rests against the nostril. If during insertion the NPA meets any resistance, remove the NPA and attempt insertion on the other side. If the NPA causes the patient to cough or gag, slightly withdraw the NPA to relieve the cough or gag and then proceed. STEP 6. Reassess the patient to ensure that the airway is now patent.