The purpose of Nasopharyngeal Airway Tube is a tube that is designed to provide an airway passage from the nose to the posterior pharynx. It can create a patent pathway and help avoid airway obstruction due to hypertrophic tissue. The Nasopharyngeal Airway Tube creates a patent airway throughout the distance of the tube.
A nasopharyngeal airway tube, also known as an NPA or nasal trumpet, is a medical device used to maintain an open airway in patients who are at risk of airway obstruction or require assistance with breathing. It is commonly used in emergency medicine, anesthesia, and critical care settings.
Purpose:
The primary purpose of a nasopharyngeal airway tube is to establish and maintain a clear passage for air to move through the nose and into the upper airway. It helps to prevent airway obstruction, particularly in situations where the tongue may fall back and obstruct the throat or when other upper airway structures are compromised.
Design:
A nasopharyngeal airway tube is a flexible, hollow tube typically made of medical-grade plastic or silicone. It is shaped like a trumpet, tapering from a wider opening to a narrower end. The wider end, known as the flange or flared base, rests outside the nostrils and prevents the tube from slipping into the nasal cavity.
Insertion:
To insert a nasopharyngeal airway tube, the healthcare provider lubricates the tube with a water-based lubricant to ease insertion and minimize discomfort. The tube is then gently inserted into one nostril and advanced along the floor of the nasal passage until the flange rests against the nostril.
Sizing:
Nasopharyngeal airway tubes are available in various sizes to accommodate different patient populations, ranging from pediatric to adult. The size is typically determined by measuring from the patient's nostril to the tragus (the cartilage in front of the ear) or by using pre-determined age-based guidelines.
Monitoring and Care:
Once inserted, the nasopharyngeal airway tube should be regularly assessed for proper positioning, patency, and signs of complications such as bleeding, discomfort, or tissue damage. It is important to secure the tube in place using tape or other appropriate methods to prevent accidental dislodgement.
Contraindications and Precautions:
Nasopharyngeal airway tubes are generally safe and well-tolerated, but there are a few contraindications and precautions to consider. These may include suspected or confirmed basilar skull fracture, severe facial trauma, severe coagulopathy (bleeding disorder), or patient intolerance. Care should be taken to avoid inserting the tube into the trachea (windpipe) instead of the nasopharynx.
It's important to note that the insertion and management of nasopharyngeal airway tubes should be performed by trained healthcare professionals who are familiar with the technique and indications for use.
