Pediatric Nasopharyngeal Airway Use Instructions

When it comes to pediatric patients, tender medical care is required. It is of great significance for healthcare providers and parents to know pediatric nasopharyngeal airway use instructions.

Background Information: What Is the Human Airway

The human airway is a complex system that facilitates the intake and expulsion of air during respiration. It comprises several distinct sections, each with its unique anatomical features and functional roles.

Nasal Cavity

This is the starting point of the respiratory tract, located in the face. The nasal cavity filters, warms, and humidifies inhaled air, reducing the irritants that would otherwise reach the lower respiratory tract. Its intricate structure, including nasal hairs, mucous membranes, and sinuses, contributes to these functions.

Pharynx

Serving as a common passage for both the respiratory and digestive tracts, the pharynx is divided into three main regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. Each of these regions has specialized roles in swallowing, voice production, and protecting the airway from foreign bodies.

Larynx (Voice Box)

Located below the pharynx, the larynx contains the vocal folds (also known as vocal cords), which are crucial for sound production. Additionally, the larynx acts as a gatekeeper, preventing food and liquids from entering the lungs during swallowing.

Trachea (Windpipe)

The trachea is a rigid, cylindrical tube that connects the larynx to the lungs. It is composed of rings of cartilage reinforced by smooth muscle, which allows it to maintain its shape while also being flexible enough to accommodate changes in air pressure during breathing. The trachea's lining is covered with ciliated epithelium and mucus-secreting glands, which help clear debris and pathogens from the airway.

Bronchial Tree

The trachea branches into the right and left main bronchi upon entering the lungs. These bronchi further divide into smaller and smaller bronchioles, eventually terminating in tiny alveoli where gas exchange occurs. The bronchial tree's intricate branching pattern ensures that air is distributed evenly throughout the lungs. Like the trachea, the bronchi and bronchioles are lined with ciliated epithelium and mucus-producing glands, which are vital for maintaining airway health.

What Is a Pediatric pvc nasopharyngeal airway

A PVC pediatric nasopharyngeal airway (PNA) is a small, flexible tube that is inserted through the nose and into the pharynx (the area behind the nose and mouth that leads to the throat) to help keep the airway open and unobstructed.

The PNA is made of a soft, flexible material that is gentle on the patient's nasal passages and pharynx. It is typically coated with a lubricant to make it easier to insert and to reduce irritation to the patient's nasal mucosa.

What Is the Use of a Pediatric Nasopharyngeal Airway

A Pediatric Nasopharyngeal Airway (PNA) is typically used in situations where a pediatric patient requires an open and unobstructed airway but cannot maintain it on their own. Specifically, a PNA may be used in the following situations:

Airway Obstruction

A pediatric patient may have an obstructed airway due to a variety of causes, such as a foreign body aspiration, vomiting, or a swollen tongue. This obstruction can prevent the pediatric patient from breathing freely and may require the use of an NPA to help maintain an open airway.

Injury or Illness: Certain injuries or illnesses, such as a head injury, stroke, or neuromuscular disorder, can affect a pediatric patient's ability to maintain an open airway. These conditions can cause weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control breathing and swallowing, making it difficult for the pediatric patient to breathe on their own.

Sedation or Anesthesia: When a pediatric patient is sedated or anesthetized for a medical procedure, a PNA can help maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration of gastric contents or other secretions.

How to Determine the Size of a Pediatric Nasopharyngeal Airway

If the pediatric nasopharyngeal airway is too small, it may not provide an adequate seal or may be easily dislodged. If it is too large, it may cause discomfort or trauma to the patient's nasal tissues. Here are some general guidelines for selecting the right size PNA:

Age-Based Guidelines

Many manufacturers provide age-based guidelines for selecting the appropriate size PNA. These guidelines can be a useful starting point, but it's important to note that they may not be accurate for every patient, as children can vary significantly in size and development.

Measuring the Nasal Passage

One of the most accurate ways to determine the appropriate size PNA is to measure the patient's nasal passage. This can be done using a nasal speculum or other measurement tool to assess the width and depth of the nasal cavity. Based on these measurements, a PNA of the appropriate size can be selected.

Pediatric Nasopharyngeal Airway Use Instructions

Preparation

Before inserting a pediatric nasopharyngeal airway, it is important to ensure that the patient is in a safe and comfortable position. The patient should be lying flat on their back with their head tilted slightly backwards. This position will help to open the airway and make it easier to insert the PNA.

It is also important to select the appropriate size of pediatric nasopharyngeal airway. The size of the PNA should be based on the patient's age, weight, and anatomical features. Manufacturers often provide sizing guidelines or charts that can help practitioners determine the most appropriate size for the patient.

Insertion

Gather all necessary equipment, including the pediatric nasopharyngeal airway, lubricant (such as water-based gel or saline solution), and any additional supplies that may be required.

Clean the patient's nose and face with a clean cloth or gauze pad to remove any dirt, mucus, or other debris that may interfere with the insertion of the PNA.

Apply a small amount of lubricant to the tip of the pediatric nasopharyngeal airway. This will help to reduce friction and make it easier to insert the PNA into the patient's nose.

Gently insert the pediatric nasopharyngeal airway into the patient's nose, pointing the tip towards the back of the throat. Use a slow and steady motion to avoid causing discomfort or injury to the patient.

Once the tip of the PNA has passed through the nose and into the pharynx, rotate the device slightly to ensure that it is properly positioned. The PNA should be inserted far enough that it sits comfortably in the pharynx and does not interfere with the patient's breathing.

Check the patient's airway to ensure that it is patent and unobstructed. If necessary, adjust the position of the PNA to ensure that the patient can breathe freely.

Care and Maintenance

After use, the pediatric nasopharyngeal airway should be cleaned and disinfected according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help to prevent the spread of infection and ensure that the PNA is ready for use in future procedures.

It is also important to inspect the PNA for any signs of wear or damage before each use. If the PNA is damaged or no longer functions properly, it should be discarded and replaced with a new one.

Conclusion

The pediatric nasopharyngeal airway is a valuable tool for maintaining an open airway in pediatric patients during medical procedures or in emergency situations. By following the instructions outlined in this article, medical practitioners can safely and effectively insert and use a pediatric nasopharyngeal airway to ensure that their patients can breathe freely and comfortably.