(6) Place the casualty in the recovery position if you cannot constantly
monitor them.
(7) To remove the airway, pull out with a steady motion along the curvature
of the nasal cavity.
Figure 2-3. Inserting the nasopharyngeal airway.
d. Complications.
(1) The most common complication is minor tissue trauma such as epistaxis
(nosebleed); this however, is not sufficient indication to remove the airway.
(2)
The airway may trigger a gag reflex with some patients.
2-3.
OROPHARYNGEAL AIRWAYS (J-TUBES)
a. The oropharyngeal airway is a semicircular apparatus of plastic, rubber, or
metal. The apparatus is also called a J-tube because of its shape. It is curved to fit
over the back of the tongue and is inserted into the lower posterior wall of the pharynx.
In this location, the apparatus will hold the tongue away from the posterior wall of the
pharynx and keep the patient's airway patent (open).
b. The insertion of this mechanical airway device is advised only when the
patient is unconscious and does not have a gag reflex. Before inserting the airway,
attempt normal resuscitation procedures manual airway procedures (the head-tilt
chin-lift maneuver or jaw thrust maneuver).
MD0542
2-5