Which two airway adjuncts are commonly used to protect the airway?

The correct answer focuses on the two airway adjuncts known for protecting the airway, which are the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) and the oropharyngeal airway (OPA). Both adjuncts are designed to maintain an open airway in unconscious or semi-conscious patients.

The nasopharyngeal airway is inserted through the nasal passage and helps keep the airway open by preventing the tongue or other obstructions from blocking the flow of air. It is particularly useful in patients with an altered level of consciousness who are at risk of airway obstruction.

Similarly, the oropharyngeal airway is placed in the mouth and extends into the oropharynx, ensuring that the tongue does not fall back and occlude the airway. This adjunct is effective and easy to use when the patient is unresponsive and lacks a gag reflex.

The other choices include adjuncts that serve different functions. While an endotracheal (ET) tube and laryngeal mask airway (LMA) are indeed used in advanced airway management, they are not classified purely as adjuncts for airway protection in the same context as NPA and OPA. Suction is a vital tool in managing obstructed airways but does not serve as an adjunct