New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

In which situation is the use of a nasopharyngeal airway not indicated?

1. Patient with severe allergic reactions

2. Patient with a head injury

3. Patient with cerebrospinal fluid leaking from the nose

4. Patient who is actively vomiting

The correct answer is: Patient with cerebrospinal fluid leaking from the nose

The use of a nasopharyngeal airway is contraindicated in a situation where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is leaking from the nose. This leakage typically indicates a skull fracture, particularly a basilar skull fracture, which poses a significant risk of introducing pathogens into the cranial cavity. In such cases, inserting a nasopharyngeal airway could further complicate the condition by pushing it into the cranial cavity through the defect, leading to severe complications such as meningitis or other infections. In contrast, for patients experiencing severe allergic reactions, head injuries, or active vomiting, the nasopharyngeal airway can be considered. In these scenarios, maintaining the airway is crucial, and the use of this device can assist in ensuring proper ventilation and oxygenation. However, it must be administered with caution and evaluated based on the specific circumstances surrounding each patient.