Inserting an Oropharyngeal Airway

Goal: The patient sustains a patent airway.

1. Bring necessary equipment to the bedside stand or overbed table.

2. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

3. Identify the patient.

4. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room, if possible.

5. Explain to the patient what you are going to do and the reason for doing it, even though the patient does not appear to be alert.

6. Put on disposable gloves; put on goggles or face shield, as indicated.

7. Measure the oropharyngeal airway for correct size. Measure the oropharyngeal airway by holding the airway on the side of the patient’s face. The airway should reach
from the opening of the mouth to the back angle of the jaw.

8. Check mouth for any loose teeth, dentures, or other foreign material. Remove dentures or material if present.

9. Position patient in semi-Fowler’s position.

10. Suction patient, if necessary.

11. Open patient’s mouth by using your thumb and index finger to gently pry teeth apart. Insert the airway with the curved tip pointing up toward the roof of the mouth.

12. Slide the airway across the tongue to the back of the mouth. Rotate the airway 180 degrees as it passes the uvula. The tip should point down and the curvature should follow the contour of the roof of the mouth. A flashlight can be used to confirm the position of the airway with the curve fitting over the tongue.

13. Ensure accurate placement and adequate ventilation by auscultating breath sounds.

14. Position patient on his or her side when airway is in place.

15. Remove gloves and additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.

16. Remove the airway for a brief period every 4 hours, or according to facility policy. Assess mouth, provide mouth care, and clean the airway according to facility policy before reinserting it.