Final answer:
To insert an NP airway, measure for size, lubricate the airway, gently insert it into the nostril with the bevel facing the septum, rotating slightly if needed. It is crucial to monitor the patient and ensure it does not induce a gag reflex. The Heimlich maneuver is a separate procedure for a different type of airway obstruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
To insert a nasopharyngeal airway (NP airway), which is a type of airway adjunct used to maintain or open a patient's airway, you must first select the correct size for the patient. It involves measuring from the nostril to the earlobe or the angle of the jaw. Once the correct size is determined, lubricate the NP airway with water-soluble lubricant to ease insertion.
Next, the patient should be in a supine position if possible. Gently insert the NP airway into the nostril (preferably the right one as it is generally straighter) with the bevel facing the septum. If resistance is met, rotate it slightly, but do not force it. The NP airway should then slide into place, following the natural curvature of the nasal passage.
It is crucial to monitor the patient after insertion for any signs of distress or obstruction. If the airway causes a gag reflex or is not tolerated by the conscious patient, it may need to be removed. In addition, while an NP airway can help maintain an airway, it is not used to clear an obstructed airway. Situations requiring the Heimlich maneuver to force an aspirated object out of the respiratory tract are different emergency procedures.