A nasopharyngeal airway is inserted: which statement is correct in terms of orientation for the right nare?

• A. Bevel pointing downward if inserted into the left nare.
• B. Into the smaller nostril with the tip following the roof of the nose.
• C. Into the larger nostril with the tip pointing away from the septum.
• D. Bevel facing the septum if inserted into the right nare.

Answer: (D)

Orientation matters for a nasopharyngeal airway because you want it to glide smoothly along the nasal floor with minimal trauma to the delicate nasal passages. When inserting into the right nostril, the bevel of the airway should face the nasal septum (medially). This alignment guides the tube toward the midline and along the floor, helping it pass past the inferior turbinate and reach the pharynx without catching on the lateral wall or causing mucosal injury. The other statements describe directions that would increase resistance or risk of trauma—for example, directing the bevel away from the septum, aiming the tip toward the roof, or choosing the larger nostril for reasons other than proper alignment.