Challenge Your Exam Readiness With Our Free EMT Practice Questions

A semiconscious patient with an intact gag reflex is likely to retch or vomit with an oropharyngeal airway (OPA). In such cases, a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is preferred because it is better tolerated in patients who are not deeply unresponsive. Correct sizing typically uses the distance from the tip of the patient’s nose to the earlobe or angle of the jaw. Lubricate and insert bevel toward the septum unless manufacturer guidelines specify otherwise. Always consider contraindications: suspected basilar skull fracture (e.g., significant midface trauma, CSF rhinorrhea, raccoon eyes, Battle’s sign) or severe nasal injury may preclude NPA use. Option A is inappropriate due to gag reflex. Option C provides no airway protection and risks obstruction. Option D is beyond EMT scope in most systems; EMTs focus on BLS airway management, including positioning, suctioning, OPAs/NPAs, and BVM ventilations. Continuous reassessment for airway patency, protective reflexes, and need for assisted ventilation is essential.