Author: Glossary

  • Maintenance of nasopharyngeal airway

    By means of a flexible tube that is inserted into the nose of an unresponsive patient and rests above the hypopharynx, the airway is maintained. Used in patients with intact gag reflexes to prevent retching during attempts to maintain an open airway.  

  • Nasomental reflex

    Contraction of mentalis muscle with elevation of lower lip and wrinkling of skin of chin. The reflex is elicited by percussion of the side of the nose.  

  • Nasojejunal tube

    A tube passed through the nose into the jejunum for formula feeding.  

  • Nasointestinal tube

    A long tube inserted through the nose into the stomach for decompression. A weight at the end promotes its advancement into the small intestine. The most common use is to relieve the abdominal distention associated with intestinal obstruction.  

  • Nasoduodenal tube

    A flexible tube of silicone or a similar synthetic material, inserted through the nose into the duodenum for short-term enteral feeding. The small weight on the distal end of the tube moves the tube into place through the stomach into the duodenum. Aspiration is less likely than with a nasogastric tube.  

  • Nasociliary

    To the nose, eyebrow, and eyes. Applied especially to the nerve supplying these structures.  

  • Nasoantritis

    Inflammation of the nose and maxillary sinus.  

  • Nasendoscope

    A small, angled endoscope that is inserted into a nostril and used to visualize the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.  

  • Nasal obstruction

    Blockage of the nasal passages. Common causes of nasal obstruction in adults are irregular septum, enlarged turbinates, and nasal polyps. In children, a common cause is a foreign body, such as food, buttons, or pins. Complications such as infections, sinusitis, and otitis may develop. Obstruction of one or both sides of the nasal passage, hindering…

  • Nasal index

    The greatest width of the nasal aperture in relation to a line from the lower edge of the nasal aperture to the nasion.