TYK32

Reasons for selecting a cuffed endotracheal tube over an uncuffed endotracheal tube include all of the following EXCEPT:

A. Fewer intubations and endotracheal tubes are needed

B. Lower gas flows can be used

C. Less chance for airway fires

D. Spontaneous breathing is easier

E. Aspiration of gastric contents is less likely

Answer

The answer is D. Since cuffed endotracheal tubes are often chosen to be a size smaller (i.e., 0.5 mm) than uncuffed endotracheal tubes, the lumen is narrower and therefore spontaneous breathing is more difficult. Because a smaller endotracheal tube can be used with a cuff, fewer intubations are needed to select the correct tube size. Also because of the cuff, less leakage of gas exists from the trachea into the pharynx, allowing administration of lower gas flows with potential cost savings as well as less environmental pollution. The gases are less likely to leak into the pharynx and should decrease the chance of an airway fire if high oxygen or nitrous oxide concentrations are used and electrocautery is used in the oral cavity. The chance of aspiration of gastric contents should also be less likely. .

Notes

Keywords

Markus Weiss, MD. Uncuffed versus Cuffed Endotracheal Tubes. Abstract SPA-APA Meeting San Francisco 2007

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