Which statement about nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is true?

• A. Can be used on both unconscious or semiconscious casualties with NO airway obstruction
• B. Should only be used on conscious patients
• C. Should be inserted without lubrication
• D. Must be inflated after placement

Answer: (A)

A nasopharyngeal airway is used to keep the airway open in patients who are unconscious or only partially conscious and cannot protect their airway, as long as the nasal passage is clear and there’s no skull or nasal fracture risk. It works by sitting in the nasal passage and backing the tongue away from the airway to prevent obstruction, which is why lubrication is essential—without lubrication the insertion can cause trauma and failure. Correct sizing is important, typically measured from the nostril to the earlobe, to ensure the device sits properly without irritating the posterior pharynx.

This makes the statement that it can be used in unconscious or semiconscious casualties with no nasal obstruction the best choice. In contrast, it’s not appropriate for conscious patients who may gag, it should not be inserted without lubrication, and there is no cuff to inflate after placement.