Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

Essential airway skills include manual clearing of the airway, manual maneuvers, suctioning, and which of the following?

1. Dual lumen airway

2. Endotracheal intubation

3. Laryngeal mask airway

4. Oropharyngeal airway

The correct answer is: Oropharyngeal airway

The inclusion of the oropharyngeal airway as one of the essential airway skills is key due to its role in maintaining airway patency in unresponsive patients without a gag reflex. This device is designed to keep the tongue from obstructing the throat and facilitating airflow. It is simple to insert and does not require advanced training, making it accessible for first responders and those trained in basic life support. Furthermore, using an oropharyngeal airway can be lifesaving in prehospital settings, as it allows for improved ventilation and oxygenation in patients who have lost consciousness. Proper application of this skill, along with suctioning and manual airway maneuvers, ensures that the airway is clear and functional, effectively reducing the risk of hypoxia. The other options, while they may be involved in airway management, typically require more advanced training or are utilized in different contexts of care. Thus, the oropharyngeal airway is essential for those in prehospital trauma scenarios due to its effectiveness and ease of use.