How should a nasopharyngeal airway be positioned upon insertion?

When inserting a nasopharyngeal airway, positioning it at a gentle angle toward the opposite nostril is the most effective and safest approach. This technique allows the airway to follow the natural contour of the nasal passages and the nasopharynx, facilitating proper placement without causing trauma to the delicate tissues.

Inserting the airway at an angle helps to navigate around anatomical structures, reducing resistance and potential blockages that could occur if the airway were aimed straight back or incorrectly positioned. This method is particularly important for maintaining an open airway in unconscious patients or those who cannot protect their own airway, as it ensures adequate ventilation and oxygenation.

Using a straight back approach may lead to injury to the airway, while attempting to insert it upside down can create severe obstruction and complicate medical emergencies. Inserting it in a curved manner toward the ear is not aligned with the anatomy of the nasopharynx and poses a higher risk for misplacement, making the gentle angle toward the opposite nostril the best and safest choice.