Which patients are contraindicated for using OPA?

The use of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is intended for patients who are unresponsive and do not have a gag reflex. When a patient has a gag reflex, inserting an OPA can trigger vomiting or airway obstruction, potentially leading to more serious complications. Therefore, it is contraindicated for unresponsive patients who still exhibit a gag reflex, as it poses a risk of aspiration and can cause distress rather than assist in maintaining an open airway.

In contrast, an OPA can be used effectively in unconscious patients devoid of a gag reflex since they do not have the protective airway mechanism that could lead to choking. As for patients requiring artificial feeding or those with low oxygen levels, these conditions do not inherently contraindicate the use of an OPA. The primary concern is whether the gag reflex is present in the unresponsive patient, which directly influences the appropriateness of OPA usage.