endotracheal tube

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Explanation of "Endotracheal Tube"

Definition:
An "endotracheal tube" is a special medical tube that doctors put into a person's windpipe (trachea) through their mouth or nose. This tube helps keep the air passage open so the person can breathe. It can also deliver oxygen, remove mucus, or stop food or liquid from going into the lungs.

Usage Instructions:

• The endotracheal tube is typically used in hospitals, especially when a patient is unable to breathe on their own or needs assistance with breathing.
• It is usually placed by a trained medical professional, such as an anesthesiologist or emergency doctor.

Example Sentences:

1. "The doctor inserted an endotracheal tube to help the patient breathe during surgery."
2. "When the patient stopped breathing, the medical team quickly placed an endotracheal tube to ensure they received enough oxygen."

Advanced Usage:

• In critical care settings, endotracheal tubes may be used in combination with ventilators to support patients who cannot breathe adequately due to illness or injury.
• The procedure of placing an endotracheal tube is often referred to as "intubation."

Word Variants:

• Endotracheal (adjective): Related to the endotracheal tube. Example: "endotracheal intubation."
• Tracheal (adjective): Related to the trachea (windpipe). Example: "tracheal obstruction."

Different Meanings:

• The term "tube" can refer to any cylindrical container or structure, but in this context, it specifically refers to a medical device.

Synonyms:

• Breathing tube
• Airway tube

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Although there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "endotracheal tube," understanding medical terminology often involves phrases like "putting someone on a ventilator" which can relate to the use of an endotracheal tube.

Summary:

An endotracheal tube is a critical medical device that helps patients breathe when they are unable to do so themselves.

Academic

Noun

1. a catheter that is inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose in order to maintain an open air passage or to deliver oxygen or to permit the suctioning of mucus or to prevent aspiration of the stomach contents