Which article is shown in the given image?

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The device in the image is a Cuffed Endotracheal (ET) Tube.
The key identifying feature is the presence of an inflatable cuff near the distal tip, along with its corresponding inflation line and pilot balloon.
This type of tube is used to secure an airway, provide positive pressure ventilation, and prevent aspiration of secretions.
The length and curvature are characteristic of an endotracheal tube, which is inserted via the mouth or nose, as opposed to a shorter tracheostomy tube.

Option B: This option is incorrect because the image clearly shows an inflatable cuff, an inflation line, and a pilot balloon, which are absent in an uncuffed ET tube.
Option C: This is incorrect for two reasons: the tube has a cuff, and it is an endotracheal (ET) tube, not a tracheostomy (TT) tube. TT tubes are shorter, more sharply angled, and have a neck flange for securing it.
Option D: While this option correctly identifies that the tube is cuffed, it incorrectly identifies it as a tracheostomy (TT) tube. The length, gentle curvature, and lack of a neck flange confirm it is an endotracheal (ET) tube.

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.
A nurse's primary responsibility for a patient with a cuffed ET tube is to monitor cuff pressure regularly (typically every 8-12 hours). Over-inflation can cause tracheal ischemia and necrosis, while under-inflation can lead to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to aspiration.
The standard safe cuff pressure range is 20-30 cm H2O (or 15-25 mmHg). Nurses use a manometer to check and adjust this pressure.
What if? If the pilot balloon is cut or the valve is damaged, the cuff will deflate, leading to an air leak and loss of airway protection. The nurse must immediately notify the respiratory therapist and physician for probable re-intubation with a new tube.

How to Approach the Question

This is a visual identification question. First, carefully examine the object in the image.
Identify its key components. Note the long, curved tube, the balloon-like structure near the tip (cuff), the thin line running alongside it (inflation line), and the small balloon at the end (pilot balloon).
Consider the overall shape. Is it long and gently curved, or short with a sharp angle and a flange?
Evaluate the options based on your observations. The presence of a cuff eliminates 'uncuffed' options. The length and lack of a flange eliminate 'tracheostomy tube' options.
Select the option that perfectly matches all the observed features.

Concept Tested & Keywords

qdBmjZixguKVBOvVXgJHI

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

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

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