During insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway into the right nostril, the bevel should face toward which direction?

Study for the Nassau County EMT Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

During insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway into the right nostril, the bevel should face toward which direction?

Explanation:
Bevel toward the nasal septum. When the nasopharyngeal airway is inserted, directing the bevel medially toward the septum keeps the sharp edge away from the delicate mucosa of the lateral nasal wall and turbinates, allowing the device to glide smoothly along the floor of the nasal cavity. This minimizes trauma and bleeding and reduces resistance during advancement. If the bevel faced the lateral wall, it would be more likely to catch or abrade the mucosa, increasing injury and difficulty of insertion.

Bevel toward the nasal septum. When the nasopharyngeal airway is inserted, directing the bevel medially toward the septum keeps the sharp edge away from the delicate mucosa of the lateral nasal wall and turbinates, allowing the device to glide smoothly along the floor of the nasal cavity. This minimizes trauma and bleeding and reduces resistance during advancement. If the bevel faced the lateral wall, it would be more likely to catch or abrade the mucosa, increasing injury and difficulty of insertion.

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