North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

How should you insert an OPA (oropharyngeal airway)?

1. Angle it downwards at 45 degrees

2. Insert 90 degrees or use a tongue depressor

3. Insert straight without rotation

4. Flex it at the mid-point for easier insertion

The correct answer is: Insert 90 degrees or use a tongue depressor

Inserting an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) correctly is critical for maintaining an open airway in an unconscious patient without a gag reflex. The proper technique involves inserting the OPA at a 90-degree angle to ensure that it follows the natural curvature of the oral cavity and positions itself properly in the oropharynx. Using a tongue depressor during this process can also facilitate the insertion by allowing better visualization and control over the tongue, enabling the airway to be guided into position without pushing it backwards into the throat where it could obstruct breathing. Ensuring that the OPA is inserted at this angle minimizes the risk of causing discomfort or injury to the patient while effectively preventing airway obstruction. In contrast, the other approaches either do not align with best practices for inserting an OPA or may introduce complications. For example, angling the device downwards may not provide the necessary clearance required and could lead to misplacement. Inserting it straight without rotation could lead to incorrect placement and potential injury. Flexing the OPA at the mid-point, while it may seem intuitive, does not align with the standard technique and could compromise the airway's effectiveness.