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StatPearls, LLC

  • Angioedema
  • Intubation
  • Reflex
  • Trismus

Nasopharyngeal Airway

A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) device or “nasal trumpet” is a hollow plastic or soft rubber tube that can improve oxygenation and ventilation in cases where bag-valve-mask ventilation is ineffective. NPAs are inserted into the nose and through the posterior pharynx, clearing the airway by displacing the posterior tongue and soft palate. NPAs do not typically cause patients to gag. Thus, this device is recommended over an oropharyngeal airway in patients with an intact gag reflex. NPAs are also helpful when a patient’s mouth is difficult to open or access, as in cases of trismus or angioedema. NPAs are simply ventilation and oxygenation adjuncts. They are often used only as a temporizing measure before obtaining a more secure airway via intubation or until the patient can breathe independently. Nevertheless, NPAs are valuable tools for quickly establishing and maintaining a patent airway, especially during emergencies. This activity for healthcare workers is designed to enhance learners’ competence in identifying patients with indications for NPAs and placing the device properly. Valuable insights will be gained that will equip learners to collaborate effectively with an interprofessional team caring for patients needing respiratory support.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 10 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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