Final answer:
Inserting a Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) requires selecting the correct size, lubricating the device, gently inserting into the nostril with the bevel facing the septum, advancing the NPA following the nasal cavity floor, and ensuring the flange is against the nostril while checking for patient breathability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steps for Properly Inserting a Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)
The insertion of a NPA is a medical procedure that is done to maintain or open a patient's airway. It is often used when the patient is conscious or semi-conscious, or when an oropharyngeal airway is not suitable. Here are the detailed steps for inserting an NPA:
- Select the appropriate size NPA for the patient by measuring the device from the patient's nostril to the tip of the earlobe or the angle of the jaw.
- Examine the nasal passages to ascertain which nares is more patent (open) and free of obstructions. Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the outside of the NPA.
- With the patient's head in a neutral position, insert the NPA tip into the chosen nostril, keeping the bevel facing the septum of the nose.
- Gently advance the NPA following the floor of the nasal cavity, not upwards. If resistance is felt, stop and try the other nostril.
- Continue to insert the NPA until the flange rests against the nostril.
- Once the NPA is in place, verify that the patient can breathe through it. Adjust as needed for comfort and airflow.
The proper insertion of a NPA is essential in managing a patient's airway in various clinical situations. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be trained and knowledgeable about the anatomy of the nasal meatuses (superior, middle, and inferior) and the nasopharynx, as these structures are involved in the placement of the NPA.
Remember to always follow clinical guidelines and protocols when performing any medical procedure.