Which airway adjunct is used for unconscious patients with no gag reflex?

• A. Nasopharyngeal airway
• B. Laryngeal mask airway
• C. Endotracheal tube
• D. Oropharyngeal airway

Answer: (D)

In an unconscious patient who has no gag reflex, the goal is to keep the airway open without provoking reflexes. The oropharyngeal airway achieves this by sitting in the mouth behind the tongue, holding the tongue away from the back of the throat and preventing soft‑tissue collapse that can block the airway. Because the patient lacks a gag reflex, inserting this device does not trigger gagging, making it a quick and effective first-line adjunct to maintain patency.

Other airway devices serve different situations. A nasopharyngeal airway can be used in patients who have some protective reflexes or nasal access issues, but it isn’t the preferred choice when the gag reflex is absent. Definite airways like a laryngeal mask or an endotracheal tube are used when airway protection or ventilation needs are more complex and require specialized technique and training.