Which airway adjunct is typically used for patients with an altered mental status?

The oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is specifically designed for use in patients with an altered mental status because it helps maintain a clear airway by preventing the tongue from obstructing the pharynx. In individuals who are unconscious or have reduced levels of consciousness, the natural reflex to keep the airway open is compromised, making them more susceptible to airway obstruction. The OPA is placed in the mouth and extends into the oropharynx, effectively providing a passage for air to flow into the lungs.

Using an OPA is particularly relevant in emergency situations where rapid airway management is critical. It allows for easier access to deliver positive pressure ventilation if necessary, especially when combined with a bag-valve mask for assisted breathing in cases where the patient is not breathing effectively on their own.

Other airway adjuncts, like the nasal cannula, are not suitable for patients with altered mental status as they rely on the patient's ability to breathe spontaneously. The bag-valve mask may be needed as a method of delivering breaths, but it does not specifically address the issue of airway obstruction caused by the tongue. The laryngeal mask airway can be valuable in certain advanced airway management scenarios, but it is less commonly used in basic EMT practice compared to the O