What is the role of Yankauer suction in laryngospasm management?

• A. Deliver oxygen
• B. Remove secretions
• C. Deliver inhaled medications
• D. Maintain airway patency

Answer: (B)

Removing secretions from the oropharynx with a Yankauer suction helps reduce airway irritation and improves management during laryngospasm. The Yankauer is a rigid, hand-held suction tip designed to clear oral and pharyngeal secretions quickly, debris, or blood from the mouth area. In laryngospasm, anything in the oropharynx that irritates the airway can worsen closure of the vocal cords and complicate ventilation, so clearing these secretions makes it easier to assess airway patency and perform subsequent steps such as ventilation or medication administration. It is not used to deliver oxygen or inhaled meds, and it does not by itself keep the airway open—its role is to prepare and maintain a clear field for effective airway management.