Question

You have an unresponsive patient with an intact gag reflex. You attempt to place a nasal airway in his right nostril, but you meet resistance and cannot insert. You should ____.

A. Push it in with more force.
B. Try the other nostril and be sure you have lubricated the airway.
C. Try a smaller size.
D. Switch to an oral airway.

Answer 1

Attempt to insert the nasal airway into the other nostril with lubrication. If resistance is still encountered, try a smaller size. Use an oral airway only if appropriate and needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you have an unresponsive patient with an intact gag reflex and you meet resistance while inserting a nasal airway into the right nostril, you should not push it in with more force. Instead, the correct action is to Try the other nostril and ensure that you have lubricated the airway. If resistance is still met, the next step could be to Try a smaller size. Only if the nasal airway cannot be placed and there is an indication, should you consider switching to an oral airway, keeping in mind the patient's gag reflex. It's essential to follow appropriate medical procedures to avoid causing harm to the patient.