NPA
Item
Type Airway Adjunct Category Airway/Breathing Action Access Head Use Count Single-use Weight 0.06kg | 0.14lb
Technical
Classname ACM_NPA

The Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) is an Airway Adjunct used to keep the upper airway open in unconscious patients.

Function

The NPA is used to secure airway access in case of loss of airway reflexes and Airway Collapse via the nasal route.

When inserted it will prevent establishing of the Recovery Position.

The NPA has a limited ability to mitigate airway collapse and will need to be replaced with an advanced airway if the patient is unconscious for a prolonged time.

The NPA does not prevent Airway Obstructions, obstructions need to be cleared if they occur.

Usage

The NPA can be removed at any point, and will be automatically removed upon the patient waking up.

• Head Tilt-Chin Lift - If the patient has severe airway collapse a head tilt-chin lift can be performed with an NPA inserted to mitigate the collapse and keep the airway open.
• Recovery Position - If the patient is placed into the recovery position inserting a NPA will cancel the recovery position.
• CPR and BVM - An inserted NPA does not allow simultaneous CPR and BVM use.

Indications

• Unconscious patient with no inserted airway adjunct

Contraindications

• An advanced airway is already in place
• Airway obstruction
• Severe airway collapse

External Links

• Nasopharyngeal Airway (Wikipedia)
• NPA Insertion (TCCC.org.ua)