Oropharyngeal Airway Insertion | Guedel | OPA | ABCDE Emergency | OSCE Guide | UKMLA | CPSA

Summary

This video provides essential guidance on using oropharyngeal airways, an important tool for managing obstructed airways in emergencies. It covers indications for use, such as unconscious patients, and emphasizes the importance of proper sizing and insertion techniques to avoid gag reflexes. The presenter demonstrates how to size the airway by aligning it with the patient's incisors and ensuring it fits appropriately. Additionally, it discusses special considerations for infants and the necessity of performing airway-opening maneuvers to maintain patency. Overall, this instructional video is a valuable resource for emergency care providers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oropharyngeal airways (OPAs) are vital emergency tools for managing obstructed airways in unconscious patients.
• 😀 The flange of the OPA should align with the patient's incisors for proper sizing.
• 😀 It is crucial to size the OPA correctly to avoid triggering the gag reflex or causing vomiting.
• 😀 OPAs are designed to maintain an open airway by keeping the tongue away from the back of the throat.
• 😀 When inserting an OPA, it should initially be positioned upside down before rotating it 180 degrees into place.
• 😀 Confirm proper placement of the OPA by ensuring it sits above the larynx, allowing unobstructed airflow.
• 😀 Jaw thrust maneuvers may be necessary to secure the airway after OPA insertion.
• 😀 In conscious patients, consider using a nasopharyngeal airway instead, as they may not tolerate an OPA.
• 😀 The insertion technique differs for infants; use a tongue depressor and insert the OPA in its final orientation.
• 😀 Always monitor the patient and be prepared to remove the OPA as consciousness returns to prevent gagging.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of an oropharyngeal airway?

The primary purpose of an oropharyngeal airway is to maintain an open airway in patients who are unconscious and unable to do so themselves, especially in emergency situations.

What are the key components of an oropharyngeal airway?

An oropharyngeal airway typically consists of a flange that sits at the entrance of the mouth and a curved tube that helps keep the tongue away from obstructing the airway.

What is a major indication for using an oropharyngeal airway?

A major indication for using an oropharyngeal airway is in unconscious patients who do not have a gag reflex, as they are more likely to tolerate the device without complications.

How can you determine the correct size for an oropharyngeal airway?

To size an oropharyngeal airway correctly, align the flange with the patient's incisors and ensure the tip reaches the angle of the mandible.

What should you do if a patient has a gag reflex when inserting an oropharyngeal airway?

If a patient has a gag reflex, an alternative like a nasopharyngeal airway should be considered, as they may not tolerate the oropharyngeal airway.

What is the recommended insertion technique for an oropharyngeal airway?

The recommended technique is to insert the airway upside down initially, allowing it to drop into the mouth, then rotate it 180 degrees once resistance is met.

What maneuver can be performed to ensure the airway remains patent after insertion?

Simple airway opening maneuvers, such as head tilt or jaw thrust, can be performed to ensure the airway remains open and unobstructed.

How should an oropharyngeal airway be removed when a patient begins to regain consciousness?

To remove the oropharyngeal airway, gently pull it out while following the curve of the tube, ensuring not to provoke gagging or coughing.

What special considerations are there for inserting an oropharyngeal airway in infants?

In infants, the airway should be inserted with the head in a neutral position using a tongue depressor to hold the tongue down, inserting the airway directly in the orientation it will end up.

Why is it important to monitor a patient after inserting an oropharyngeal airway?

Monitoring is essential to ensure that the patient maintains their airway and does not experience complications, such as gagging or vomiting, which can jeopardize airway patency.