Endotracheal Tube

Overview

4.8 out of 5 (12 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

13

Expiration Date

28 Feb 2026

Last Reviewed

1 Mar 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

In its simplest form, the endotracheal tube is a tube constructed of polyvinyl chloride that is placed between the vocal cords through the trachea. It serves to provide oxygen and inhaled gases to the lungs and protects the lungs from contamination, such as gastric contents or blood. The advancement of the endotracheal tube has closely followed advancements in anesthesia and surgery. Modifications have been made to minimize aspiration, isolate a lung, administer medications, and prevent airway fires. Despite these advances, more research to optimize its use is necessary. For example, endotracheal tubes are implicated in the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia, which remains a major concern. This activity describes the indications, contraindications, and techniques involved in endotracheal tube placement and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the care of patients undergoing this procedure.

Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify indications and contraindications for endotracheal tube placement.
  • Describe potential complications of endotracheal tube placement.
  • Outline the anatomy that is relevant to the placement of an endotracheal tube.
  • Summarize a structured, interprofessional team approach to provide effective care to and appropriate surveillance of patients undergoing endotracheal tube placement.

Disclosures

StatPearls requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. None of the planners of this educational activity have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.

COMMERCIAL SUPPORT: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information


This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, and StatPearls, LLC. The Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University designates this activity for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity is reported to the following Maintenance of Certification (MOC) boards:
American Board of Anesthesiology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • General Operative Anesthesia
  • Hospice and Palliative Medicine
  • Neuro Anesthesia
  • Trauma
American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Hospice and Palliative Medicine
  • Hospital Medicine
  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Sports Medicine
American Board of Pediatrics
  • Adolescent Medicine
  • General Pediatrics
  • Hospice & Palliative Medicine
  • Hospital Medicine
  • Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content in the activity.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment.
  6. Obtain a certificate.

For information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity, please consult your professional licensing board.

Disclaimer

Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls specifically disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money-back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearlsand and Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls andQuillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements: Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls andQuillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Institutions. 

 

Media Usage Rights

The contributors and editors of StatPearls have attested that all associated media (images and video) have been legally cleared for use with this activity.  All copyrights are reserved.

  • Name: 'ETT right mainstem.jpg' Attribution: Contributed by Scott Dulebohn, MD
  • Name: 'ET Tube redo.jpg' Attribution: Contributed by Tammy J. Toney-Butler, RN, CEN, TCRN, CPEN
  • Name: 'Endotracheal tube.jpg' Attribution: "Contributed by Dr. Aayush Dhakal"

Reviews

Doctor G. on 9/19/2021

Monique B. on 10/16/2021

Janet P. on 10/24/2021

Blanca G. on 11/24/2021

Bhupendra M. on 3/26/2022

Lina A. on 5/20/2022

Dr.Ayodhyaprasad S. on 6/20/2022

Ehsan Q. on 7/28/2022

Laura B. on 8/16/2022

Nicholas D. on 9/20/2022

Amberlee W. on 12/5/2022

Jamie K. on 3/16/2023

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