What complication can arise from improper insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway?

Improper insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway can lead to epistaxis, which is the medical term for a nosebleed. This occurs because the airway device can irritate or damage the mucous membranes inside the nasal passages as it is being inserted. These membranes are delicate and can easily be torn, resulting in bleeding. Additionally, because the airway is positioned in the nasopharynx, if it is inserted too forcefully or at the wrong angle, it can cause trauma to the structure of the nose or surrounding tissues, increasing the risk of injury.

While other complications like airway obstruction or infection can also occur in certain circumstances, they are not the direct initial result of improper placement of the nasopharyngeal airway like epistaxis is. Carbon dioxide retention can occur during compromised airway situations but doesn’t directly relate to the insertion technique of a nasopharyngeal airway.