DAANCE Certification Practice Exam

The nasopharyngeal airway is specifically designed to maintain an open airway in patients who may be at risk for airway obstruction, particularly due to the positioning of the tongue. When a person is unconscious or in certain positions, the tongue can fall backward and block the airway, leading to difficulty in breathing. The nasopharyngeal airway is inserted into the nasopharynx, which allows airflow to bypass any obstructions and ensures that the patient can breathe more easily.

This tool is especially useful in situations where a patient might be unable to maintain their own airway due to loss of consciousness or significant sedation. By keeping the airway open, it provides essential ventilation and prevents hypoxia, which is critical in emergency medical situations.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the primary function of a nasopharyngeal airway. For instance, inserting a tube into the trachea pertains to endotracheal intubation, and lubricating the oropharynx or reducing the swallowing reflex are not relevant functions of a nasopharyngeal airway. Thus, the primary benefit lies in its ability to facilitate airflow when the tongue is obstructing the airway.