OROPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY: INSERTION IN ADULTS

Course overview

Insertion of an oropharyngeal airway (OA; also known as oral airway) is a procedure designed to maintain patency of the airway between the nose/mouth and pharynx. The OA is an airway adjunct commonly used in unconscious patients because loss of consciousness causes the muscles in the jaw to relax, which results in the tongue falling back against the posterior pharynx and obstructing the flow of air. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of OA insertion in adults, including clinical signs that indicate a need for OA insertion, potential complications, and nursing responsibilities surrounding the procedure, and to aid in caring for the patient undergoing insertion of an OA. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.