Anesthesia Technologist Complete Practice Exam 2026

The function of an oropharyngeal airway is to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway. This device is specifically designed to ensure that the airway remains open by physically holding the tongue in place away from the back of the throat. The oropharyngeal airway is especially useful in unconscious patients who are unable to maintain their own airway due to the relaxation of the tongue and soft tissues in the oropharynx, which can lead to airway obstruction. When properly inserted, it facilitates ventilation by allowing airflow to pass unobstructed, which is crucial during anesthesia and in emergency situations where maintaining an open airway is vital for patient safety.

While other options refer to various aspects of anesthesia care, they do not align with the primary purpose of the oropharyngeal airway. For instance, maintaining blood pressure is more closely related to cardiovascular management during anesthesia, administering oxygen pertains to respiratory support without obstruction, and regulating the flow of anesthetics involves monitoring and control of anesthetic agents rather than direct airway management. Thus, option C accurately describes the critical role of the oropharyngeal airway in airway management.