An unconscious adult is breathing spontaneously but has no gag reflex. The tongue is falling backward and partially obstructing the airway, with no evidence of facial trauma. Which airway adjunct should the nurse insert?
Correct answer: A. Oropharyngeal airway
- A. Oropharyngeal airway
- B. Nasopharyngeal airway
- C. Cuffed endotracheal tube
- D. Supraglottic airway device
Explanation
An oropharyngeal airway holds the tongue away from the posterior pharynx in an unconscious patient without a gag reflex. A nasopharyngeal airway is preferred when the gag reflex is present, while advanced devices require greater skill and equipment.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.
Practise Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
50 free Critical Care and Emergency Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Medical Surgical Nursing questions like this
Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Critical Care and Emergency Nursing questions
A patient with suspected pelvic trauma is pale, tachycardic and hypotensive after a road collision. There is no obvious external bleeding. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate while maintaining spinal precautions?
A patient rescued from a house fire has soot around the mouth, a hoarse voice and increasing restlessness. Which intervention should the nurse prioritise?
A bedside monitor suddenly displays a flat line, but the patient is awake, speaking and has a palpable pulse. Which action should the nurse take first?
An arterial blood gas shows pH 7.25, PaCO2 60 mmHg and bicarbonate 25 mmol/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?