Which patient should receive an oropharyngeal airway?

The patient who should receive an oropharyngeal airway is the individual who is not breathing and does not have a gag reflex. The use of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is indicated in patients who are unresponsive and do not have a functioning gag reflex, as it helps to secure the airway by preventing the tongue from obstructing it. In this scenario, since the patient is not breathing and lacks the gag reflex, the OPA can be safely inserted to maintain an open airway, allowing for ventilation if needed.

In contrast, the other options involve patients who either have an active gag reflex or are conscious and able to maintain their airway, making OPA insertion inappropriate due to the risk of triggering a gag reflex or causing distress. An oropharyngeal airway should not be used in alert patients who can protect their airway or in those with a gag reflex, as it could lead to complications such as vomiting or airway obstruction.