North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam 2026 - Free EMT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 665

When should a Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) be used?

When the patient is conscious

In patients with a gag reflex

When OPA is not appropriate

A Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) is particularly indicated when the Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) is not appropriate. This scenario may arise in patients who are conscious and have an intact gag reflex, making the use of an OPA challenging or potentially causing discomfort or injury. The NPA is designed specifically to allow for airway management in situations where maintaining an open airway is critical, and it offers the advantage of being tolerated in conscious patients who can still protect their airway to some degree.

Therefore, understanding when the NPA is the best choice is essential for effective prehospital airway management. It can be used in patients who may need airway support without the risk of inducing a gag reflex like with an OPA, making it a valuable tool in the EMT's airway management arsenal.

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