Procedure of Artificial Airways

Procedure of Artificial Airways

Oropharyngeal Airway

Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA):
■ Indicated for unconscious Pts who do not have a gag reflex
■ Measure from the corner of the Pt’s mouth to the earlobe
■ Rotate airway 180 while inserting into oropharynx

Nasopharyngeal Airway

Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA):
■ Indicated for Pts with a gag reflex, or comatose with spontaneous respirations
■ Measure from the tip of the Pt’s nose to the earlobe
■ The diameter should match the Pt’s smallest finger
■ NEVER insert in the presence of facial trauma!

Endotracheal Tube

Endotracheal Tube (ETT):
■ Indicated for apnea, airway obstruction, respiratory failure, risk of aspiration, or therapeutic hyperventilation
■ Can be inserted through the mouth or nose
■ Inflated cuff protects Pt from aspiration

Laryngeal Mask Airway

Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA):
■ Often used in noncomplicated surgeries and by EMS
■ Direct visualization not needed for proper placement
■ When cuff is inflated, the mask conforms to the hypopharynx, occluding the esophagus and protecting the glottic opening