Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Email: brigbc gmail. The nasopharyngeal airway NPA is used by emergency providers and first responders to assist with oxygenation in obtunded, critically ill patients. There are few recorded NPA complications.
We describe a unique case in which a patient went multiple days with recurrent symptoms of upper airway obstruction secondary to retained NPA. Nasopharyngeal airways may be uniquely prone to being displaced and retained due to their use in emergent situations, their small size, and time of insertion in the field prior to emergency department ED contact where handoff is not often standardized. The use of large-flanged NPAs might reduce incidences of displacement into the nasal cavity.
This case highlights the need for improved handoff communication between emergency medical services and ED staff, especially to account for all inserted devices to prevent foreign body retention.
Keywords: Nasopharyngeal airway, nasal foreign body, EMS, emergency department communication, retained foreign bodies. Emergency providers and first responders often use airway adjuncts to assist with oxygenation in obtunded, critically ill patients. These adjuncts also assist ventilation and improve possible airway obstruction.
Made of soft plastic or rubber, it is inserted into the naris to assist in maintaining oxygenation in the upper airway. It can be kept in place while endotracheal intubation is being performed to increase passive apneic oxygenation.
