Inserting an Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)

Objective: To measure and insert an oral airway into an adult.

Initiates Standard Precautions   

Hold the adjunct against the side of the face with the flange adjacent to the corner of the patient’s mouth. Size the airway by measuring from the patient’s earlobe to the corner of the mouth or from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw.  

Open the patient’s mouth and insert the catheter only as far as you can see.  

Rotate the airway 180°. Insert the airway until the flange rests on the patient’s lips.