Intense tongue manipulation is a characteristic of which airway adjunct?

The oral airway, also known as an oropharyngeal airway, is designed to maintain an open airway by preventing the tongue from obstructing the throat. Its design specifically requires intense manipulation during placement. When inserting an oral airway, the device must be oriented correctly, with the curve following the natural contour of the palate, and typically involves rotating it 180 degrees after initial insertion to ensure that the posterior pharyngeal wall is adequately cleared of tongue obstruction.

This feature is crucial in emergency settings or during certain surgical procedures where airway patency is essential. The oral airway is also often used in patients who are unconscious or semi-conscious, as they may have diminished muscle tone in their airway structures. Proper placement requires careful manipulation, which distinguishes it from other adjuncts that either do not manipulate the tongue directly or are designed for different airway management strategies. Understanding this function clarifies why the oral airway stands out for its requirement of intense tongue manipulation compared to the other airway adjuncts listed.