For which patient is the insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway contraindicated?

Prepare for the Relias Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) RN Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway is contraindicated for a patient who has undergone surgery to repair a maxilla bone fracture. This is because the nasopharyngeal airway could exacerbate any existing swelling, damage, or instability in the area surrounding the maxilla. Since the maxilla plays a crucial role in forming the upper jaw and supporting the nasal cavity, placing an airway could further compromise the healing process or potentially create additional trauma to the surgical site.

In contrast, the other patients listed may not have specific anatomical considerations that make the use of a nasopharyngeal airway inappropriate. While those recovering from an esophageal resection, tracheostomy placement, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery certainly have individual considerations for airway management, they do not present the same risks regarding maxillary instability and potential dislodgement of surgical repairs.

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