When is the nasopharyngeal airway indicated?

The use of a nasopharyngeal airway is particularly indicated in semi-conscious or conscious patients. This type of airway adjunct is designed to maintain airway patency by providing a clear path for air to flow into the trachea without the need for muscle tone or protective reflexes that may not be fully intact in these patients.

In semi-conscious patients, the airway can be easily obstructed due to the tongue falling back or secretions accumulating. A nasopharyngeal airway can help in such cases by keeping the airway open while still allowing these patients to maintain some level of consciousness, which is critical for their respiratory function and the ability to protect their own airway to some extent.

In unconscious patients, other airway management strategies, such as orotracheal intubation or bag-valve-mask ventilation, are typically prioritized due to a higher risk of airway obstruction and the compromised reflexes that accompany loss of consciousness. In patients with neck injuries, while the nasopharyngeal airway may sometimes be used, there is a more significant consideration for potential trauma or injury that could complicate its use. Therefore, the option that explicitly applies to semi-conscious or conscious patients is the most appropriate and correct choice.