What is an airway adjunct and when might it be used?

• A. An oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway used to maintain airway patency in an unconscious patient when there is a risk of airway obstruction or poor airway control
• B. A device to suction saliva
• C. A nasal cannula
• D. A mouthguard

Answer: (A)

Airway adjuncts are simple devices placed in the mouth or nose to keep the upper airway open when muscle tone is lost and the tongue or soft tissues could block the airway. They help maintain patency and aid ventilation during emergencies or while preparing a definitive airway.

An oropharyngeal airway is inserted through the mouth and rests behind the tongue to prevent the tongue from occluding the pharynx, making ventilation easier in an unconscious patient who cannot protect their airway. A nasopharyngeal airway goes in through the nose into the pharynx and is useful when the patient is semi-conscious or when oral access is problematic, such as with facial trauma or limited mouth opening. The key idea is that these devices keep the airway open and improve ventilation; they are not for suction, oxygen delivery via a cannula, or mouth protection with a guard.