Which statement correctly describes an endotracheal tube?

• A. Tracheostomy
• B. Endotracheal tube
• C. An airway catheter inserted in the trachea during surgery for temporary airway
• D. Nasogastric tube

Answer: (B)

An endotracheal tube is a tube placed through the mouth or nose and into the trachea to secure the airway and allow ventilation, especially during anesthesia or when breathing support is needed. It passes the vocal cords into the trachea and is held in place with a cuff to seal the airway and protect against aspiration; the tip is positioned a short distance above the carina. This is different from a tracheostomy tube, which goes through a surgical neck opening into the trachea and is usually for longer-term airway management, and from a nasogastric tube, which goes from the nose into the stomach for feeding or drainage rather than providing ventilation. An airway routed directly into the trachea during surgery describes the same purpose, but the standard term used for that device is endotracheal tube.