The device used to maintain the patency of the oral airways:

Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Explanation

The Guedel Airway is a type of oropharyngeal airway (OPA), specifically designed to be inserted into the mouth.
Its primary function is to prevent the tongue from falling back and obstructing the oropharynx, thereby keeping the oral airway open.
It is the simplest type of artificial airway used for maintaining patency of the oral passage, particularly in unconscious patients who have lost muscle tone.
The device extends from the teeth to the oropharynx, physically holding the tongue in a forward position.

Option B: A Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) is inserted through the nose, not the mouth. Its purpose is to maintain a patent airway by bypassing the nasal passages and the tongue at the level of the nasopharynx.
Option C: Endotracheal (ET) intubation involves placing a tube directly into the trachea. While it can be inserted orally, its purpose is to secure the tracheal airway, which is beyond the oral airway. It is a definitive airway, not just an adjunct for oral patency.
Option D: This option is incorrect because only the Guedel Airway is specifically designed for maintaining oral airway patency. The other devices have different insertion routes or secure a different part of the airway (nasal or tracheal).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Airway Management Adjuncts as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Choosing the correct airway adjunct is a critical nursing skill. Using an OPA in a conscious or semi-conscious patient can induce vomiting and aspiration due to the gag reflex.
Proper sizing of an OPA is crucial. An airway that is too large can obstruct the larynx, while one that is too small can be ineffective as the tongue can still block the airway.
What if? If the patient was semi-conscious with an intact gag reflex but required airway support, the correct adjunct would be a Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA), as it is better tolerated and less likely to cause gagging.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'device', 'maintain patency', and especially 'oral airways'.
Analyze the term 'oral airways'. This specifically refers to the passage through the mouth.
Evaluate each option based on its primary site of insertion and function.
Option A, Guedel Airway, is an oropharyngeal airway. The name itself suggests its placement in the oral pharynx.
Option B, Nasopharyngeal Airway, clearly indicates insertion through the nose ('naso').
Option C, Endotracheal Intubation, involves the trachea ('tracheal').

Concept Tested & Keywords

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