Question

A patient vomits as a nurse is inserting his oropharyngeal airway. What would be the appropriate intervention in this situation?

a) Remove the airway, turn the patient to the side and provide mouth suction, if necessary.
b) Leave the airway in place and notify the physician for further instructions.
c) Ask the patient to extend the neck slightly to adjust the airway.
d) Immediately remove the airway and reinsert it because it has probably inadvertently caused the gag reflex.

Answer 1

The correct intervention when a patient vomits during the insertion of an oropharyngeal airway is to remove the airway, turn the patient to the side, and provide mouth suction if necessary to prevent aspiration and maintain a clear airway.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient vomits as a nurse is inserting his oropharyngeal airway, the appropriate intervention would be to remove the airway, turn the patient to the side, and provide mouth suction if necessary. This prevents aspiration and allows for the clearing of the patient's airway.

During vomiting, there is a risk of aspiration, where the vomitus could enter the lungs and cause serious complications. Therefore, maintaining a clear airway is critical. An oropharyngeal airway is designed to keep the airway open, but if vomiting occurs, it needs to be addressed immediately by following the steps mentioned. After ensuring the airway is clear, the airway device may be re-inserted if still needed.