2. This week
x This week’s learning unit will explore the
purpose of an endotracheal tube.
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3. Related Reading
• Hess Chapter 19 pp 381-399
• Persing Chapter 4
RTH 131, Unit 04 3
4. Learning Objective
x The learning objective is to describe five
purposes of an endotracheal tube, given a
short essay quiz.
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5. Endotracheal Tube
x Here is a picture of an
endotracheal tube.
x The parts of an endotracheal
tube will be discussed later.
x 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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6. Endotracheal Tube
x 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
RTH 131, Unit 04 6
7. Endotracheal Tube
x Purpose:
– Risk of aspiration
» Example: Dysphagia-which is difficulty
swallowing
– Relief of upper airway obstruction due to
swelling
» Examples:
x Laryngospasm-which is swelling of the vocal cords
x Epiglottitis-which is swelling of the epiglottis
x Glottic edema-which is swelling of the larynx
RTH 131, Unit 04 7
8. Endotracheal Tube
x Prevent airway obstruction of the “at risk”
airway
–
Reflexes obtunded by paralysis
–
Drugs
–
Loss of consciousness
–
Neuromuscular disease
x 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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9. 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.
RTH 131, Unit 04 9
10. Endotracheal Tube
Below is a picture of an Below is a picture of an
endotracheal tube placed endotracheal tube placed
orally. nasally
RTH 131, Unit 04 10
11. Endotracheal Tube
x Recap: An endotracheal tube is used
– Short-term ventilation
– Long-term ventilation
– Removal of secretions
– Protect airway from aspiration
– Airway swelling
– Airway obstruction
RTH 131, Unit 04 11
12. References
x Nasco. (2012). Safety clear plus™ murphy/cuffed endotracheal tube -
7.0 mm. Retrieved March 24, 2012 from, http://
www.enasco.com/product/SB35239U
x 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
x The Free Dictionary. (2012). X-ray tube. Retrieved March 24, 2012
from, http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/x-ray+tube
RTH 131, Unit 04 12