What is a risk associated with the insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway in patients with facial trauma?

Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway in patients with facial trauma carries the significant risk of misplacement into the cranial cavity. This is particularly concerning in cases where there is a fracture of the base of the skull or severe craniofacial trauma, as there may be a pathway created that allows the airway to enter the skull rather than being properly positioned in the nasopharynx.

Proper assessment of facial injuries is crucial because anatomical distortions caused by trauma can lead to complications, including intracranial placement of devices like the nasopharyngeal airway. Understanding this risk highlights the need for careful evaluation of facial trauma before proceeding with airway interventions.

Other risks do exist, such as potential laceration to the nasal septum or causing irritation, but the risk of entering the cranial cavity poses the most significant immediate danger in the context of existing craniofacial injuries.