What is a disadvantage of nasopharyngeal airways?

The selection of nasal trauma as a disadvantage of nasopharyngeal airways is accurate because these devices can indeed cause injury to the nasal passages if inserted improperly or if the patient has existing nasal abnormalities. The use of nasopharyngeal airways involves inserting a tube through the nose and into the pharynx, and in doing so, there is a risk of damaging the delicate tissues within the nasal cavity. Factors such as anatomical differences, the presence of fractures, or certain medical conditions can increase this risk.

While the other aspects highlighted by the choices point to beneficial features of nasopharyngeal airways—such as their ease of insertion and their applicability in children—they do not address the potential for physical harm. Recognizing the risk of nasal trauma is critical in the decision to use this airway adjunct method, particularly in patients with known nasal issues or in emergency situations that could complicate safe insertion.