Soft rubber airway inserted through the nostril; tolerated by semi-conscious patients.
Indications
- • Semi-conscious with airway obstruction
- • Trismus
- • Facial injury (relative)
Contraindications
- ⚠ Suspected basal skull fracture
- ⚠ Severe coagulopathy
- ⚠ Nasal obstruction/fracture
Equipment
- • NPA sized nostril to tragus
- • Lubricant
- • Suction
Positioning
- • As appropriate for the procedure and patient comfort.
Consent
- • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
- • Explain risks & complications
- • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
- • Document consent
Universal precautions
- • Hand hygiene
- • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
- • Aseptic technique
- • Sharps safety
- • Verify patient identity & site
Step-by-step (0/4)
Tap to complete
Tip of nose to tragus; diameter ~little finger.
Immediate complications
- ⚠ Epistaxis
- ⚠ Trauma
- ⚠ Intracranial insertion (basal skull #)
Recognition
- • Bleeding
- • CSF rhinorrhea
Initial management
- • Remove; pressure
Prevention
- • Screen for basal skull #
- • Lubricate
Post-procedure observation
- • Vitals q15min × 1h then hourly
Monitoring
- • Site inspection
- • Symptom review
Documentation
- • Procedure note
- • Consent
- • Findings
Patient instructions
- • Report pain, bleeding, fever, worsening symptoms
Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.
