Which airway adjunct is contraindicated with suspected basal skull fracture?

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Multiple Choice

Which airway adjunct is contraindicated with suspected basal skull fracture?

Basilar skull fracture creates openings at the base of the skull, so inserting a device through the nose can push or extend along fracture lines into the cranial cavity. A nasopharyngeal airway travels via the nasal passage into the nasopharynx, which risks intracranial placement, brain injury, or infection. For this reason, nasal airway adjuncts are avoided when basilar skull fracture is suspected. In contrast, an oropharyngeal airway can be used in an unconscious patient to help keep the airway open without entering the cranial vault, and definitive airway management (endotracheal intubation) is pursued if needed.

Basilar skull fracture creates openings at the base of the skull, so inserting a device through the nose can push or extend along fracture lines into the cranial cavity. A nasopharyngeal airway travels via the nasal passage into the nasopharynx, which risks intracranial placement, brain injury, or infection. For this reason, nasal airway adjuncts are avoided when basilar skull fracture is suspected. In contrast, an oropharyngeal airway can be used in an unconscious patient to help keep the airway open without entering the cranial vault, and definitive airway management (endotracheal intubation) is pursued if needed.

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