A nasopharyngeal airway, (aka NPA or a nasal trumpet), is a tube inserted into the nasal passageway of an unconscious victim to provide an open airway (when unconscious the jaw muscles relax and the tongue to falls back obstructing the airway).
NPA is contraindicated (not used) in patients with severe head or facial injuries, or a basilar skull fracture (Battle's sign, raccoon eyes, cerebrospinal fluid/blood from ears, etc.) due to the possibility of direct contact with brain tissue.
The nasopharyngeal airway is a piece of equipment used in healthcare for unconscious patients. The airway should be lubricated with a water based lubricant before insertion.
This may indicate a brain injury
May be an indication of brain trauma
this may indicate a brain injury
This may indicate a brain injury
This may indicate a brain injury.
this may indicate a brain injury
A nasopharyngeal airway should not be used if there is clear fluid coming from the nose because it may indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which can occur with skull base fractures. Inserting the airway could exacerbate the injury or introduce pathogens into the cranial cavity, leading to serious complications such as meningitis. Therefore, it's crucial to assess the patient's condition and consider alternative airway management strategies.
This may indicate a brain injury.
The presence of clear fluids coming from the nose and ears may indicate a potential cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which can occur with head injuries. Inserting a nasal airway in such cases could exacerbate the injury, introduce infection, or further disrupt the protective barriers around the brain. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using a nasal airway to prevent complications and to seek immediate medical evaluation.
The nasopharyngeal airway should not be used if there is evidence of fluid from the nose or ears because this may indicate a possible skull base fracture or a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Inserting the airway could potentially exacerbate the injury, increase the risk of infection, or lead to further complications. Additionally, the presence of CSF may suggest that the airway could enter the cranial cavity, posing serious risks to the patient's health. Therefore, alternative airway management techniques should be considered in such cases.
This may indicate a brain injury