What is the correct technique to insert an OPA in an unconscious patient?

What is the correct technique to insert an OPA in an unconscious patient?

• A. Insert with tip toward the tongue
• B. Insert upside down with the tip toward the palate, then rotate 180 degrees as it passes the soft palate
• C. Insert sideways to avoid gag reflex
• D. Do not use an OPA in unconscious patient

Answer: (B)

The technique tested is to insert the oropharyngeal airway upside down, with the tip facing the hard palate, and then rotate 180 degrees as it passes the soft palate so the tip ends up pointing downward toward the tongue. This method keeps the airway path smooth as you advance past the soft palate and, once rotated, places the tongue forward and the airway behind it, preventing the tongue from occluding the airway. In an unconscious patient, the gag reflex is absent, so an OPA is appropriate to maintain patency. If you insert with the tip toward the tongue or rotate laterally, you risk trauma or airway obstruction. Not using an OPA in an unconscious patient would ignore a simple, effective airway aid.

The technique tested is to insert the oropharyngeal airway upside down, with the tip facing the hard palate, and then rotate 180 degrees as it passes the soft palate so the tip ends up pointing downward toward the tongue. This method keeps the airway path smooth as you advance past the soft palate and, once rotated, places the tongue forward and the airway behind it, preventing the tongue from occluding the airway. In an unconscious patient, the gag reflex is absent, so an OPA is appropriate to maintain patency. If you insert with the tip toward the tongue or rotate laterally, you risk trauma or airway obstruction. Not using an OPA in an unconscious patient would ignore a simple, effective airway aid.