Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which of the following patients would benefit MOST from a nasopharyngeal airway?

1. Unresponsive patient

2. Semiconscious patient with a gag reflex

3. Fully alert patient

4. Patient with facial trauma

The correct answer is: Semiconscious patient with a gag reflex

A nasopharyngeal airway is designed for use in patients who have some level of consciousness and a gag reflex. The semiconscious patient with a gag reflex can still maintain some degree of spontaneous breathing and is likely to have a partially obstructed airway due to decreased muscle tone or unconsciousness. Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway can help keep the airway open while allowing for the patient's ability to gag, which is a protective reflex that indicates some level of protective airway reflexes is still intact. In contrast, an unresponsive patient would generally require a different airway management approach, such as an oropharyngeal airway or more advanced airway management, as they are unable to protect their airway effectively. A fully alert patient typically does not require an airway adjunct, as they can maintain their own airway. A patient with facial trauma may have an obstructed airway due to swelling, bleeding, or deformity; in these cases, a nasopharyngeal airway may not be appropriate due to the risk of further injury. Thus, the semiconscious patient with a gag reflex stands to gain the most from the use of a nasopharyngeal airway.