RTH 131, Unit 04 1

Endotracheal Tube

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This week

This week’s learning unit will explore the purpose of an endotracheal tube.

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Related Reading

• Hess Chapter 19 pp 381-399• Persing Chapter 4

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Learning Objective

The learning objective is to describe five purposes of an endotracheal tube, given a short essay quiz.

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Endotracheal Tube Here is a picture of an

endotracheal tube. The parts of an endotracheal

tube will be discussed later. You will have the opportunity

to see and use an endotracheal tube during your lab session. This opportunity will provide you with the hands-on experience in understanding the purpose of an endotracheal tube.

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Endotracheal Tube Purpose:

– Provide means for artificial ventilation» Example: Outpatient Surgical Procedure

– Provides long term airway» Examples: Bilateral Pneumonia, Pneumothorax or

Severe Asthma

– Facilitate suctioning» Examples: Suctioning due to a weak cough or

Immobilization

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Endotracheal Tube

Purpose:– Risk of aspiration

» Example: Dysphagia-which is difficulty swallowing

– Relief of upper airway obstruction due to swelling

» Examples: Laryngospasm-which is swelling of the vocal cords Epiglottitis-which is swelling of the epiglottis Glottic edema-which is swelling of the larynx

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Endotracheal Tube

Prevent airway obstruction of the “at risk” airway– Reflexes obtunded by paralysis– Drugs– Loss of consciousness– Neuromuscular disease

It is the relaxation of an anatomical structure within the airway that causes the airway obstruction. The most common cause is the relaxation of the tongue which blocks the airway.

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Endotracheal Tube

– Oral placement of an Endotracheal Tube, first choice in an emergency!

– An endotracheal tube is inserted by trained healthcare professionals such as a physician, anesthesiologist or respiratory therapist.

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Endotracheal Tube

Below is a picture of an endotracheal tube placed orally.

Below is a picture of an endotracheal tube placed nasally

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Endotracheal Tube

Recap: An endotracheal tube is used– Short-term ventilation– Long-term ventilation– Removal of secretions– Protect airway from aspiration– Airway swelling– Airway obstruction

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References Nasco. (2012). Safety clear plus™ murphy/cuffed endotracheal tube -

7.0 mm. Retrieved March 24, 2012 from, http://www.enasco.com/product/SB35239U

Patient Education Reference Library. (2012). Airway swelling with successful nasotracheal tube placement - medical

illustration, human anatomy drawing. Retrieved March 24, 2012 from, http://www.patientedlibrary.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=3184

&TC=&A=1266

The Free Dictionary. (2012). X-ray tube. Retrieved March 24, 2012 from, http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/x-

ray+tube