If mild hemorrhage occurs from the nares after inserting an NPA, what action should be taken?

In the context of managing a patient with an NPA (nasopharyngeal airway) insertion, experiencing mild hemorrhage from the nares can be a common occurrence and doesn’t always indicate a severe problem. Leaving the NPA in place is correct because it helps maintain the airway, which is crucial for proper ventilation and oxygenation.

When an NPA is inserted, it's possible for a small amount of bleeding to occur from the nasal passages due to irritation or minor trauma to the mucosa. By removing the NPA immediately, you risk disrupting any clot formation that might be occurring, which could lead to further bleeding and complicate the airway management.

Retaining the NPA allows the ongoing management of the airway while providing time for the bleeding to either resolve on its own or become manageable without compromising the patient's breathing. Additionally, the professional guideline indicates that NPAs can often be safely used even when mild hemorrhage is present unless there are significant signs of a nasal fracture or the bleeding becomes severe.