What is the procedure shown in the image?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

The image displays a tube inserted through the mouth, passing the vocal cords, and entering the trachea. This is the defining characteristic of endotracheal intubation.
The purpose of this procedure is to establish and maintain a patent airway, facilitate mechanical ventilation, and prevent aspiration.
The inflatable cuff, clearly visible in the diagram, is inflated within the trachea to seal the airway, which is a standard part of the endotracheal intubation process.

Option B: An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is a much shorter, curved device that only holds the tongue away from the back of the throat. It does not enter the trachea.
Option C: A Combi-tube is a dual-lumen airway device, visually distinct from the single-lumen tube shown. It is designed for blind insertion.
Option D: Bronchoscopy involves inserting a flexible or rigid scope with a camera to visualize the airways. The device shown is a simple tube for ventilation, not a scope for visualization.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of Airway Management Procedures as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role during and after intubation is to monitor the patient's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and bilateral breath sounds to confirm correct tube placement and ensure effective ventilation.
Securing the endotracheal tube properly and providing regular oral care are critical nursing interventions to prevent accidental extubation and reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
What if? If, after intubation, breath sounds are only heard on the right side of the chest, it indicates the tube has likely advanced into the right mainstem bronchus. The nurse should immediately notify the provider, as the tube needs to be pulled back slightly to ventilate both lungs.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully analyze the provided image, paying close attention to the anatomical structures and the placement of the medical device.
Identify the key features: a tube is inserted through the mouth, passes the vocal cords, and enters the trachea. Note the presence of an inflatable cuff.
Next, read each option and recall the definition and purpose of each procedure.
Compare your visual analysis with the definition of each option. 'Endotracheal intubation' perfectly matches the depiction of a tube in the trachea for airway management.
Eliminate the other options by identifying why they are incorrect. An OPA doesn't enter the trachea, a Combi-tube looks different, and bronchoscopy is a visual examination, not primarily for ventilation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 115-117

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 734-736

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.