Introduction

Oropharyngeal airway (OPA) and nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) adjuncts are designed to address airway obstruction and free the airway practitioner. Both adjuncts are generally only tolerated in unconscious patients. If a patient is tolerating an OPA or NPA consider the need for an advanced airway practitioner and intubation.

Learning Bite

Tolerating an OPA is an indicator of a vulnerable unprotected airway.