A Guedel airway is a:

Appeared in: GMCH - 2016

Explanation

A Guedel airway is the specific name for a common type of oropharyngeal airway (OPA).
It is designed to be inserted into the mouth to prevent the tongue from falling backward and obstructing the oropharynx.
This type of airway is only suitable for unconscious patients because its placement in the posterior pharynx stimulates the gag reflex.
Correct sizing is crucial; an improperly sized OPA can either be ineffective or worsen the obstruction.

Option A: A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is inserted through the nostril, not the mouth. It is a distinct type of airway adjunct.
Option B: A tracheostomy tube is a surgical airway inserted directly into the trachea through an incision in the neck (stoma). It is an invasive, long-term solution.
Option D: A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a supraglottic airway device. It is inserted into the mouth but sits over the larynx, creating a seal to allow for ventilation without entering the trachea.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification and function of different types of artificial airways as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Properly sizing and inserting an oropharyngeal airway is a fundamental nursing and emergency care skill. An incorrect size can be dangerous: too small will not hold the tongue forward, and too large can obstruct the larynx.
Nurses must assess for the presence of a gag reflex before attempting to insert an OPA. If the patient gags, the airway must be removed immediately to prevent vomiting and aspiration.
What if? If an unconscious trauma patient has significant facial injuries making oral access impossible, a nasopharyngeal airway would be the preferred initial adjunct, provided there is no suspicion of a basal skull fracture.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the keyword in the question: 'Guedel airway'.
Recognize this as a factual recall question asking for the classification of a specific piece of medical equipment.
Recall that 'Guedel' is a specific design of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA). The terms are often used interchangeably.
Scan the options to find 'Oropharyngeal airway'.
Eliminate the other options by differentiating their insertion sites and functions: nasopharyngeal (nose), tracheostomy (surgical neck stoma), and laryngeal mask (supraglottic).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification and function of different types of artificial airways.
Stem keywords: Guedel airway
Lead-in keywords: is a

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 254-255

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 115-117

Practise the full GMCH - 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.