Which statement is true about nasal airways in basilar skull fracture?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement is true about nasal airways in basilar skull fracture?

Explanation:
When basilar skull fracture is suspected, nasal airways are avoided because the nasal route can pass through fracture lines into the cranial cavity. Inserting a nasal airway risks intracranial placement, brain injury, pneumocephalus, and infection like meningitis. The safer approach is to use an oropharyngeal airway if appropriate and to secure the airway with definitive methods such as orotracheal intubation (or a surgical airway if necessary), while continuing to protect the airway and immobilize the spine. If facial trauma prevents oral access, consider alternative airway devices and techniques as the situation allows.

When basilar skull fracture is suspected, nasal airways are avoided because the nasal route can pass through fracture lines into the cranial cavity. Inserting a nasal airway risks intracranial placement, brain injury, pneumocephalus, and infection like meningitis. The safer approach is to use an oropharyngeal airway if appropriate and to secure the airway with definitive methods such as orotracheal intubation (or a surgical airway if necessary), while continuing to protect the airway and immobilize the spine. If facial trauma prevents oral access, consider alternative airway devices and techniques as the situation allows.

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