Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + • Oropharyngeal airways provide a conduit for airflow through the mouth to the pharynx.• Oropharyngeal airways prevent mandibular tissue from obstructing the posterior pharynx.• Oropharyngeal airways may be used in the unconscious infant or child if procedures (ie, head tilt-chin lift or jaw thrust) to open the airway fail to provide and maintain a clear, unobstructed airway. +++ Absolute + • Avoid inserting an oropharyngeal airway in conscious or semiconscious patients because it may stimulate gagging and vomiting. + • Oropharyngeal airways come in various sizes ranging from 4 cm to 10 cm.• Oropharyngeal airways consist of a flange, a short bite-block segment, and a curved body usually made of plastic and shaped to provide an air channel and suction conduit through the mouth. + • Oropharyngeal airways do not prevent aspiration. + • Measure the distance from the central incisors to the angle of the mandible to approximate the correct size oral airway. + • Head and airway must be positioned properly to maintain a patent airway even after insertion of an oropharyngeal airway. + • The upper airway consists of the oropharynx, the nasopharynx, and supraglottic structures. + • The airway can be placed with a tongue blade holding the tongue on the floor of the mouth. • Depress the tongue and gently glide the airway with the concave side downward, following the curvature of the tongue.• The airway can also be introduced upside down and gently rotated to the proper position, using rotation to pull the base of the tongue forward.• Do not exert pressure on the palate if using this technique.• This technique is done without instrumentation.• Figure 2–1 shows an oral airway in place (sagittal view). ++Figure 2–1.Graphic Jump LocationView Full Size||Download Slide (.ppt)Sagittal view of oral airway in place. + • Monitor for airway obstruction; the following clinical signs may manifest:• Agitation.• Desaturation.• Impaired air exchange when auscultated.• Diminished chest rise.• Use pulse oximetry to measure oxygen saturation levels.• Measure heart rate.• Check blood pressure using a noninvasive device. + • If the oropharyngeal airway is too large, it may obstruct the larynx, make a tight mask fit difficult, and traumatize laryngeal structures.• If the oropharyngeal airway is too small or is inserted improperly, it pushes the tongue posteriorly, obstructing the airway.• If the oral airway is placed in the awake patient, it may induce vomiting, aspiration, and laryngospasm.• If the airway is too long, it may induce vomiting and aspiration. + • The oropharyngeal airway may not be sufficient to relieve upper airway obstruction, and the patient may subsequently require intubation. ++Hazinski MF et al, eds. PALS Provider Manual. Dallas, Texas: American Heart Association; 2002:90–91. ++Holinger LD, Lusk RP, Green CG, eds. Pediatric Laryngology and ... Your Access profile is currently affiliated with '[InstitutionA]' and is in the process of switching affiliations to '[InstitutionB]'. Please click ‘Continue’ to continue the affiliation switch, otherwise click ‘Cancel’ to cancel signing in. Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth