Question

While semiconscious patients tolerate a nasopharyngeal airway better than an oropharyngeal airway,

a. They often reject both devices
b. They might swallow the nasopharyngeal airway
c. They have allergic reactions to the device
d. They might cough excessively

Answer 1

Semiconscious patients generally accept a nasopharyngeal airway better than an oropharyngeal airway, attributed to the design of the nasopharyngeal device allowing compatibility with a patient's reflexes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Semiconscious patients tend to tolerate a nasopharyngeal airway better than an oropharyngeal airway. This is due in part to the nasopharyngeal airway's design, which allows it to be better accepted by patients who have a diminished level of consciousness. However, the potential response of a semiconscious patient to either airway device is not mentioned in the provided references. What is mentioned is the physiology and functions of the different parts of the respiratory system, the treatment of sleep apnea using CPAP devices, and the process of endotracheal intubation during general anesthesia. It's important to recognize that when a nasopharyngeal airway is in place, normal protective reflexes such as swallowing are still functional, unlike with an oropharyngeal airway, which typically requires a deeper level of unconsciousness to tolerate.