TONGUe
Airway is compromised because of trauma as it can affect brain, oropharynx, neck, and trachea, pulmonary system resulting in airway obstruction or respiratory problems. Aspiration of blood and gastric contents contribute to compromised airway. Also patients with low level of consciousness are at risk of not being able to protect their airway.
prevent the tongue from blocking the pharynx
Because even though it is recommended for an unconscious patient, if the patient has sustained to severe of a trauma the nasal airway could damage the patient more than help them.
An obstruction of the upper airway involves the blockage of the airway in the throat, trachea (airway going to the lungs) or the voice box. Multiple things can cause upper airway obstruction, such as foreign objects (choking), swelling due to allergic reaction and chemical or heat burns which cause blistering/swelling. Most of the time, people would first think of choking as causing an obstruction of the upper airway, even though there are a variety of causes.
If a nasopharyngeal airway is too long, it may extend too far into the oropharynx, potentially causing airway obstruction or stimulating the gag reflex, which can lead to vomiting or aspiration. Additionally, an excessively long airway may irritate the nasal passages or cause trauma to the surrounding tissues. Proper sizing is essential to ensure effective airway management without complications.
A nasopharyngeal airway should not be used if there are signs of facial or skull base fractures, as it can potentially enter the cranial cavity and cause further injury. Additionally, it is contraindicated in patients with severe coagulopathy or bleeding disorders, as it may exacerbate bleeding. If there is significant nasal obstruction or trauma, using this airway could also lead to complications.
In a pre-hospital emergency situation, someone who will most likely require the insertion on an OPA (oralpharyngeal airway) will be a patient who is unable to keep their airway open themselfs, don't have a gag reflex, and don't have any maxiofacial damage. The whole prodecure is quite short and simple. First, establish the patients gag reflex. This can be accomplished brushing the eyelashes since they operate on the same nerve. If the patient "flinches" the a gag reflex is present, if not then one may continue with the OPA. The OPA is inserted "backwards" then turned 180 degrees, forcing the touge out of the airway and ending the with flange resting on the teeth. Typically the patient is then assisted with respirations via a bag valve mask.
an object can become lodged in it (as is the case in choking). or an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur to a variety of substances (legal or illegal drugs, foods, dyes, plants, etc.) and the person's airway becomes inflammed, swelling to the point that air cannot pass through and the person's airway is then obstructed.
Airway adjunct that is a plastic tube with a flange on the end passed through the nostrils into your airway, so you can be ventilated if you have stopped breathing and access is limited via the mouth, for example in facial trauma. The nasopharyngeal airway is used if there are complications to having a patent airway.
prevent the tongue from blocking the pharynx
Obstructions in adults are usually caused by tumors, trauma, volvulus, the presence of foreign bodies such as gallstones, or hernias, although they have also been reported in adults with cystic fibrosis.
The supplying artery can be blocked by an obstruction, mechanically compressed, ruptured by trauma, or vasoconstricted.