Nursing Care Related to the
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems 2-21 |
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2-21. ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION
a. An endotracheal tube may be inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea. This procedure is normally done by a physician or a nurse anesthetist. Endotracheal intubation may be done during surgery to facilitate anesthesia and control respirations, to bypass an upper airway obstruction, or to permit connection of the patient to a resuscitation bag or mechanical ventilator.
b. Endotrachial (ET) tubes generally have an inflatable cuff, which holds the tube in place in the trachea and prevents aspiration of upper respiratory tract secretions into the lower respiratory tract. The cuff must be deflated periodically to prevent injury to the trachea.
c. If intubation is necessary for an extended period of time, a tracheotomy is performed and the patient is intubated with a tracheostomy tube. This surgical procedure will be discussed in section VI. |
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