What three indicators suggest that a nasopharyngeal airway should be inserted into a breathing casualty?

The indicators that suggest a nasopharyngeal airway should be inserted into a breathing casualty focus on the airway's patency and the presence of obstructive signs. When a casualty is making snoring or gurgling sounds, it indicates that there is an obstruction in the airway, often caused by the tongue or secretions, which can lead to inadequate ventilation. Additionally, the casualty being unconscious means they do not have protective airway reflexes, increasing the risk of airway compromise. A respiration rate of less than 2 breaths every 15 seconds suggests that the casualty is struggling with adequate breathing, further underscoring the need for airway management.

In contrast, the other options do not indicate a need for airway intervention. A casualty who is alert and breathing evenly is typically maintaining their airway effectively, while signs of agitation or excessive coughing might suggest respiratory distress but do not directly call for a nasopharyngeal airway insertion. Lastly, chest trauma, low blood pressure, or facial bruising, while indicative of serious injuries, do not specifically imply that the airway is compromised in a manner that necessitates the use of a nasopharyngeal airway. Thus, the correct scenario for inserting this airway involves the outlined unconscious state with obstructive breathing sounds