An oropharyngeal airway is indicated for?

• A. Unconscious patient who needs ventilation
• B. Conscious patient who can protect airway
• C. Unconscious patient not needing ventilation
• D. Patient with gag reflex

Answer: (B)

An oropharyngeal airway is used to keep the airway open when a patient cannot protect it on their own, specifically to facilitate ventilation. When someone is unconscious, the tongue tends to fall back and block the pharynx, making it hard to ventilate. The OPA props the tongue away from the airway and provides a clear path for air during bag‑valve‑mask ventilation.

That’s why it’s indicated for an unconscious patient who needs ventilation. It’s not appropriate for a conscious patient who can protect their airway, since they may gag or choke on the device. If the patient is unconscious but not needing ventilation, an OPA isn’t routinely indicated. It’s also a contraindication in patients with a gag reflex because insertion can trigger gagging, vomiting, or coughing and potentially worsen airway obstruction.