Which of the following patients would MOST likely require insertion of an oropharyngeal airway?

• A. A 40-year-old unconscious patient with slow, shallow respirations
• B. A conscious patient with a gag reflex
• C. A patient with a strong cough
• D. A child who is restless and agitated

Answer: (A)

An oropharyngeal airway is used to keep the airway open in patients who are unconscious or unable to protect their airway. It prevents the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airway, which allows you to ventilate effectively with a bag-valve-mask.

In the scenario described, the unconscious patient with slow, shallow respirations lacks the gag reflex and cannot protect the airway, so inserting an oropharyngeal airway helps maintain patency and supports ventilation. The other situations involve patients who either still have a gag reflex (conscious with gag reflex), have a strong cough (protective reflexes are present), or are restless/agitated (a device could cause gagging, removal, or worsen agitation). Therefore, this patient is the one who would MOST likely require an oropharyngeal airway.