Which airway is contraindicated in facial trauma?

• A. Oropharyngeal Airway
• B. Nasopharyngeal Airway
• C. Endotracheal Tube
• D. Laryngeal Mask Airway

Answer: (B)

In facial trauma, the nasal route is unsafe. A nasopharyngeal airway travels through the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, and if there’s facial fracture or a basilar skull fracture, it can be driven into the cranial cavity, causing brain Injury, CSF leak, serious bleeding, or infection. Because of this risk, a nasopharyngeal airway is contraindicated in facial trauma.

When airway management is needed, rely on routes that don’t pass through the nose. An oropharyngeal airway can be used if the patient is unconscious and lacks a gag reflex, while definitive airway control is achieved with endotracheal intubation. A laryngeal mask airway may be used as a temporizing measure in some cases, but it does not protect the airway like an endotracheal tube.