More often than not, the tongue can pose as a hazard in patenting an airway. The oropharyngeal airway is used to open and keep clear the oropharynx. The oropharyngeal airway(OPA) is used to keep the tongue from obstructing the airway, as well as making suctioning of the oropharynx easier. The OPA should be used in unresponsive patients, patients without a gag reflex and patients being ventilated with a BVM. Conscious patients and patients with an intact gag reflex should be excluded from the use of OPA to maintain their airway.
It is important to know how and when to use the OPA. The OPA is a plastic curved device that comes in various sizes for the various sized oropharynx. If the OPA is too large for the patient, it can inadvertently push the tongue into the airway, blocking it. If the OPA is too small, it would act as a foreign body and possibly cause the patient to choke on it. If the patient gag reflex is intact, it could cause vomiting. If vomiting occurs during OPA insertion immediately remove the OPA device and be prepared for suction or log roll to clear the vomit from the patient’s airway. When using the OPA, manual airway maneuvers, such as the jaw thrust or the head tilt chin lift can be used to ensure the airway remains open. …show more content…
One end of the OPA is held against the earlobe, and the other end should reach the corner of the moth on the side of the face. The mouth should be opened using the cross finger technique, and the tip of the OPA should be facing the roof of the mouth. Rotate the OPA 180 degrees. The OPA should rest in the mouth with the curvature of the airway following the contour of the anatomy. The Flange should res against the lips or teeth. [1] It is recommended that if there is difficulty while inserting the OPA, insert the OPA with a 90 degrees’
It is important to know how and when to use the OPA. The OPA is a plastic curved device that comes in various sizes for the various sized oropharynx. If the OPA is too large for the patient, it can inadvertently push the tongue into the airway, blocking it. If the OPA is too small, it would act as a foreign body and possibly cause the patient to choke on it. If the patient gag reflex is intact, it could cause vomiting. If vomiting occurs during OPA insertion immediately remove the OPA device and be prepared for suction or log roll to clear the vomit from the patient’s airway. When using the OPA, manual airway maneuvers, such as the jaw thrust or the head tilt chin lift can be used to ensure the airway remains open. …show more content…
One end of the OPA is held against the earlobe, and the other end should reach the corner of the moth on the side of the face. The mouth should be opened using the cross finger technique, and the tip of the OPA should be facing the roof of the mouth. Rotate the OPA 180 degrees. The OPA should rest in the mouth with the curvature of the airway following the contour of the anatomy. The Flange should res against the lips or teeth. [1] It is recommended that if there is difficulty while inserting the OPA, insert the OPA with a 90 degrees’