Question

Which of the following patients is the BEST candidate for an oropharyngeal airway?

a) A conscious patient with an intact gag reflex
b) An unconscious patient with no gag reflex
c) A patient with facial trauma and active bleeding
d) A patient with suspected cervical spine injury

Answer 1

The oropharyngeal airway is most appropriate for an unconscious patient with no gag reflex, to safely keep the airway open without causing harm or discomfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best candidate for an oropharyngeal airway is b) An unconscious patient with no gag reflex. The oropharyngeal airway is a device inserted into the mouth to keep the airway open and is typically used in patients who are unconscious and lack a gag reflex. In conscious patients with an intact gag reflex or those with facial trauma and active bleeding, the use of an oropharyngeal airway may not be appropriate and could be harmful. Similarly, for a patient with a suspected cervical spine injury, caution must be taken with any airway management intervention to avoid exacerbating the injury.