Which of the following is NOT a contraindication for the use of an NPA?

The selection indicating that unconscious patients are not a contraindication for the use of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is accurate. In fact, unconscious patients may often benefit from the use of an NPA to maintain an open airway, especially when they retain some level of protective airway reflexes or when oral intubation is impractical.

While the use of an NPA in unconscious patients requires caution—particularly in ensuring that the airway is adequately protected against aspiration—the presence of unconsciousness itself does not preclude the device's use. Instead, nasal airways offer a less invasive option for airway management and can be effective in securing airflow in situations where alternative methods may not be feasible.

Conversely, the other cited conditions—epistaxis, nasal or facial trauma, and a deviated septum—are recognized contraindications because they increase the risk of complications or further injury when inserting the NPA. For instance, active bleeding from the nose or existing trauma can complicate or escalate the patient’s condition if an NPA is improperly inserted. Therefore, knowing when it is appropriate to use an NPA is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective airway management.