What does ETT mean in PHYSIOLOGY

An endotracheal tube (ETT) is a medical device used to facilitate breathing during general anesthesia, ventilation, and intubation. It is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea of a patient in order to maintain an open airway and administer positive pressure ventilation.

A medical professional may need to insert an ETT if a patient has difficulty breathing, is unconscious, or has difficulty maintaining their own airway. Additionally, it can be used to secure a clear airway in certain procedures such as open heart surgery.

Generally speaking, most patients who require an ETT need it only for a short period of time (i.e., during sleep apnea testing). However, some people may require the use of an ETT over longer periods of time due to illness or injury.

Yes. Complications associated with the use of endotracheal tubes include laryngeal spasm, pulmonary aspiration, radiological changes related to incorrect placement of the tube, infection due to improper cleaning techniques, vocal cord damage due to prolonged use and incorrect positioning of the tube.

Yes, patients may experience some discomfort when having an endotracheal tube in place depending on the size and type of tube being used as well as patient anatomy and musculature. Some common complaints are soreness in the throat/lips/tongue area; increased drooling; coughing; gagging; hoarseness; and chest pain or tightness around the area where the tube enters the lungs/trachea.

No. Most patients are not permitted to eat or drink anything while they have an endotracheal tube inserted so as to prevent any liquid entering their lungs which would be aspirated into their respiratory track as there would be no natural control mechanisms present (e.g., gag reflex) without suctioning out via suction catheter.

Generally speaking you should do a visual assessment every 8 hours during regular nursing care shifts and more frequently if your patient’s condition warrants it e.g., monitoring for proper positioning of oral or nasal secretions etc.. During all assessments you must ensure that no kinking occurs across ends where connectors meet otherwise clogging will occur quickly leading to reduced effectiveness so always ensure proper fitment/function prior to use!

Signs indicating your ETT may need adjusting include noisy breaths from excessive leak at bronchial side that indicates fitment issues; cyanosis indicating oxygen levels imbalances requiring further investigation; and rattling noises emanating from one end suggesting partial dislodgment.