What is the purpose of a nasopharyngeal airway?

A nasopharyngeal airway is specifically designed to provide a clear passageway for air to facilitate breathing in patients who are unable to maintain an open airway on their own. It is a flexible tube inserted into the nasal passage that extends into the nasopharynx, bypassing any obstruction caused by the tongue or other factors. This allows for unobstructed airflow and is especially useful in patients who are semi-conscious or unconscious but still have an intact gag reflex.

While the other purposes mentioned in the choices might be relevant to airway management in different contexts, they do not reflect the primary role of the nasopharyngeal airway. For instance, suctioning is primarily done using specific suction devices, and medication administration typically requires different equipment. Preventing aspiration is an important consideration in airway management but is not the primary function of a nasopharyngeal airway. Therefore, the main purpose remains to ensure that air can flow freely to the lungs.