Nasopharyngeal Airway & Nasal Discharge: Aspiration Risk & Alternatives
Do not use a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) if clear fluid is draining from the nose. The fluid could be aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome.
Safer alternative: Oral airway.
Clear nasal fluid may indicate basilar skull fracture with CSF leak; NPA insertion could worsen intracranial injury.
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