AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019: What is the procedure shown in the image?

AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

The image displays a tube inserted through the mouth and into the trachea, which is the defining characteristic of endotracheal intubation.
An inflatable cuff is shown securing the tube within the trachea, which prevents air leaks and aspiration, a key feature of an endotracheal tube.
This procedure establishes a definitive airway for mechanical ventilation or to bypass an upper airway obstruction.

Option B: An oropharyngeal airway is a device that sits in the mouth to prevent the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airway. It does not enter the trachea as shown in the image.
Option C: A Combi-tube is a dual-lumen, dual-cuffed tube inserted blindly into the pharynx. Its structure is different from the single-lumen tube shown, which is clearly positioned in the trachea.
Option D: Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure that uses a flexible or rigid scope with a camera to visualize the inside of the airways. The image shows the placement of a breathing tube, not the use of a camera scope.

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.
Endotracheal intubation is a critical, life-saving skill used in emergencies, anesthesia, and intensive care to manage patients with respiratory failure or compromised airways.
Nurses play a vital role in assisting with the intubation procedure, securing the tube, monitoring the patient's vital signs and oxygenation, and providing ongoing care for the intubated patient, including suctioning and oral hygiene.
What if the patient had a suspected cervical spine injury? The intubation procedure would need to be modified. A jaw-thrust maneuver, rather than a head-tilt/chin-lift, would be used to open the airway to avoid moving the neck, and in-line stabilization would be maintained throughout the procedure.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the image provided, 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, it passes the vocal cords, and its tip is located in the trachea. Note the presence of an inflated cuff.
Next, read each option and recall the definition and purpose of each procedure.
Compare the visual evidence from the image with the description of each option. 'Endotracheal intubation' perfectly matches the depiction of a tube in the trachea.
Eliminate the other options by identifying how they differ. An oropharyngeal airway doesn't enter the trachea, a Combi-tube has a different structure, and bronchoscopy involves a camera.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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