Which article is shown in the given image?

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The image shows a long, flexible tube designed for airway management.
Crucially, the distal (patient) end of the tube lacks an inflatable cuff and its associated pilot balloon and inflation line.
The overall length and gentle curvature are characteristic of an endotracheal (ET) tube, as opposed to a shorter, more angled tracheostomy tube.
The combination of these features—being an ET tube without a cuff—identifies it as an uncuffed ET tube.

Option A: A cuffed ET tube would have a visible inflatable balloon near the tip and a pilot balloon for inflation, both of which are absent in the image.
Option C: A tracheostomy tube (TT) is significantly shorter, has a more acute curve, and features a prominent neck flange to secure it to the neck. The tube in the image is long and lacks a flange.
Option D: This option is incorrect for two reasons: the device is an ET tube, not a TT tube (it's long and lacks a flange), and it is uncuffed, not cuffed.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of airway management equipment as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Uncuffed ET tubes are traditionally used in neonates and young children (typically under 8 years old). The rationale is that the cricoid cartilage, the narrowest part of a child's airway, forms a natural anatomical seal, making an artificial cuff unnecessary.
Using an uncuffed tube in this population reduces the risk of pressure-related injuries, such as tracheal stenosis or necrosis, which can be caused by an inflated cuff.
Correctly identifying airway equipment is a critical patient safety skill for nurses in emergency, anesthesia, and critical care settings to ensure the right device is selected for the patient's age and clinical need.

How to Approach the Question

This is an image-based identification question. Start by carefully examining the object's key features.
Observe the overall shape and length. The long, gently curved form suggests it is an endotracheal (ET) tube, not a shorter, more angled tracheostomy (TT) tube.
Next, focus on the distal (patient) end. Look for the presence or absence of an inflatable cuff and its associated inflation line and pilot balloon.
The image clearly shows a smooth tip with no cuff or pilot balloon.
Synthesize the findings: It is an endotracheal tube, and it is uncuffed.
Compare this conclusion with the given options to select 'Uncuffed ET tube'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 736-738, 734-736

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

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