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

What should be done if a gag reflex occurs after inserting an oropharyngeal airway?

1. Leave the airway in place

2. Remove the airway

3. Advance the airway further into the throat

4. Use a different type of airway

The correct answer is: Remove the airway

When a gag reflex occurs after inserting an oropharyngeal airway, the appropriate action is to remove the airway. The presence of a gag reflex indicates that the airway is causing discomfort or is improperly placed, which could lead to additional complications, such as vomiting or aspiration. The main purpose of an oropharyngeal airway is to maintain airway patency in unconscious patients or those without a gag reflex; if the patient starts to gag, this response suggests that the airway is not suitable for that individual at that moment. It's critical to ensure that the patient’s airway is clear and to switch to an alternative airway management technique if necessary, if the gag reflex persists. In situations where a patient can protect their airway, other methods like a nasopharyngeal airway or bag-valve-mask ventilation may be more appropriate.