Which device is commonly used to maintain an open airway in an unconscious patient who lacks a gag reflex?

Which device is commonly used to maintain an open airway in an unconscious patient who lacks a gag reflex?

• A. Nasopharyngeal airway
• B. Oropharyngeal airway
• C. Endotracheal tube
• D. Pocket mask

Answer: (B)

The device that is used to keep the airway open in an unconscious patient who lacks a gag reflex is the oropharyngeal airway. It’s a curved plastic tube inserted into the mouth and positioned behind the tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping back and blocking the throat. Because the patient has no gag reflex, this can be placed without triggering gagging, making it a quick, noninvasive way to maintain a patent airway while you assess breathing or provide ventilation. The pocket mask is mainly a ventilation aid and doesn’t itself keep the airway open. A nasopharyngeal airway can be used in some unconscious or semi-conscious patients, especially if an oral airway isn’t suitable, but the oropharyngeal airway is the standard first-line choice for an unconscious patient without a gag reflex. An endotracheal tube provides a definitive airway and involves a more invasive procedure, not the typical tool used simply to maintain an airway in this scenario.

The device that is used to keep the airway open in an unconscious patient who lacks a gag reflex is the oropharyngeal airway. It’s a curved plastic tube inserted into the mouth and positioned behind the tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping back and blocking the throat. Because the patient has no gag reflex, this can be placed without triggering gagging, making it a quick, noninvasive way to maintain a patent airway while you assess breathing or provide ventilation.

The pocket mask is mainly a ventilation aid and doesn’t itself keep the airway open. A nasopharyngeal airway can be used in some unconscious or semi-conscious patients, especially if an oral airway isn’t suitable, but the oropharyngeal airway is the standard first-line choice for an unconscious patient without a gag reflex. An endotracheal tube provides a definitive airway and involves a more invasive procedure, not the typical tool used simply to maintain an airway in this scenario.