Where is OPA used?

OROPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY (OPA)

OPA is used in individuals who are at risk for developing airway obstruction from the tongue or from relaxed upper airway muscle. A properly sized and inserted OPA results in proper alignment with the glottis opening.

Where is OPA inserted?

The OPA is inserted in the patient's mouth upside down so the tip of the OPA is facing the roof of the patient's mouth. As the airway is inserted it is rotated 180 degrees until the flange comes to rest on the patient's lips and/or teeth.

What are the two purposes of the OPA?

An oropharyngeal airway (also known as an oral airway, OPA or Guedel pattern airway) is a medical device called an airway adjunct used in airway management to maintain or open a patient's airway. It does this by preventing the tongue from covering the epiglottis, which could prevent the person from breathing.

What is OPA in medical terms?

An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is also known as an oral airway or Guedel pattern airway or simply Guedel airway (named after the original designer Arthur Guedel). ². The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is also called a nasal airway, NPAT (nasopharyngeal airway tube), or nasal trumpet.

When would you use an oropharyngeal airway?

Use an oropharyngeal airway only if the patient is unconscious or minimally responsive because it may stimulate gagging, which poses a risk of aspiration. Nasopharyngeal airways are preferred for obtunded patients with intact gag reflexes.

Oropharyngeal Airway Insertion

When should I use OPA airway?

OPA is used in persons who are at risk for developing airway obstruction from the tongue or from relaxed upper airway muscle. If efforts to open the airway fail to provide and maintain a clear, unobstructed airway, then use the OPA in unconscious persons.

Is an OPA an advanced airway?

Pharyngeal airway devices include nasopharyngeal airways (NPAs) and oropharyngeal airways (OPAs). These devices are the simplest artificial airways.

Who is authorized to put in an oral airway?

2.1 The Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Graduate Nurse (GN), Graduate Psychiatric Nurse (GPN), Graduate Licensed Practical Nurse (GLPN) will insert, maintain, suction and remove an oropharyngeal airway (OPA).

What is the difference between OPA and NPA?

Here are several differences between the OPA and NPA:

NPAs are inserted into the nose. OPAs are placed in the mouth. NPAs avoid stimulating a gag reflex. OPAs will stimulate the gag reflex and could induce vomiting.

Do nurses insert OPA?

NO..... unless you are covered by hospital policy to utilize these devices the answer is ....you may NOT utilize these devices. Nurses can be "trained" or "certified" to prove competence to be able to utilize these devices and can be covered by hospital policy to perform these tasks. HOwever.....

What is OPA in ACLS?

Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)

In this case, ACLS providers use OPA to ventilate the patient effectively. The OPA is used when an unconscious patient is at risk for developing airway obstruction. For example, if you attempt a head tilt-chin lift, but the airway cannot be opened, you will use an OPA.

How many methods of OPA measurement are commonly taught?

There are two common facial measurements recommended for determining the proper sized OPA: the distances between the maxillary incisors to the angle of the mandible, and the distance from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the mandible.

Who would you not use an OPA on?

What are the 2 types of oropharyngeal airways?

Nasal and Oral Airways

Oral airways relieve airway obstruction by displacing the tongue anteriorly.

Can an OPA be used on an infant?

 Displacing the tongue anteriorly is the recommended method for inserting an OPA in a pediatric patient. This is the only method that should be used for inserting an OPA in infants.

Can an OPA be used on an unconscious patient?

Due to the depth of an appropriately placed OPA, they can only be used in the unconscious patient to prevent gagging and vomiting of gastric contents. Nasopharyngeal airways are also used to keep the airway open and can be used with patients who are conscious or semi-conscious.

Can nurses put in an airway?

Based upon this review the Board consensus is that advanced airway insertion is within the RN scope of practice provided the following are met: a. Nurse has satisfactorily completed nationally recognized course suitable to age of patient.

Is intubation an oral airway?

Intubating oral airways are key to making your next fiberoptic intubation go smoothly. Sometimes the most difficult part of a fiberoptic intubation is actually passing through the oral cavity, past the posterior pharynx and to the glottis.

Why would an EMT select an NPA instead of an OPA?

NPAs are passed through the nose and pass through to the posterior pharynx. NPAs do not cause patients to gag and therefore are the best airway adjunct route in an awake patient and the better choice in a semiconscious patient that may not tolerate an OPA due to the gag reflex.

Should BLS be mastered prior to ACLS?

Foundational to every ACLS Algorithm is the BLS Assessment. The BLS Assessment is the first step that you will take when treating any emergency situation, and there are 4 main assessment steps to remember.

What are some examples of advanced airways?

Advanced Airway

Examples are supraglottic devices (laryngeal mask airway, laryngeal tube, esophageal-tracheal) and endotracheal tube. Laryngeal mask airway: A relatively recent advancement is the development of the supraglottic airway.

When would you not insert an oropharyngeal into a patient?

Oropharyngeal (OP) airways should only be used on unresponsive patients. OP airways should not be used if: The patient is conscious. The patient's gag reflex is still intact.

Under what circumstances should you use an oropharyngeal airway quizlet?

An oropharyngeal airway, or OPA, can only be used on an unconscious patient who does not have an intact gag reflex. Measure the OPA to ensure it's the correct size by placing the flange against the corner of the patient's mouth. A properly sized OPA will extend from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw.

Are oropharyngeal airways used in newborn resuscitation?

An oropharyngeal airway is an alternative means of establishing and securing an airway, although it can increase airway obstruction in infants < 34 weeks. A nasopharyngeal airway may be considered where there is difficulty maintaining an airway and mask support fails to achieve adequate aeration.