What is the purpose of an oropharyngeal airway device?

The purpose of an oropharyngeal airway device is to maintain an open airway by preventing the tongue from occluding the airway. When a patient is unconscious or unable to protect their own airway, the tongue can relax and fall back into the throat, which can block airflow. The oropharyngeal airway is designed to be inserted into the mouth and extends into the pharynx. This positioning helps to lift the tongue away from the posterior pharyngeal wall, ensuring that air can pass freely into and out of the lungs.

This specific function distinguishes it from the other options. While providing oxygen, suctioning fluids, or delivering medications are important emergency treatment actions, they are not the primary function of the oropharyngeal airway. The device is critical in airway management, especially in emergency situations where a clear pathway for breathing must be established quickly and effectively.