Tracheal intubation is a procedure involving the placement of an endotracheal tube into a patient’s windpipe, also known as the trachea.

Examples of emergent conditions include airway compromise, respiratory failure, allergic reactions, and trauma.

An example of a non-emergent condition where tracheal intubation is performed includes surgery, during which an individual may not be able to breathe on their own as a result of anesthetic medications.

This procedure may be used to treat conditions that prevent the regular passage of food through the mouth to the rest of the GI system.

Nasogastric intubation may also be used to treat malnutrition, poisoning, upper GI bleeding, surgery, and to administer medications.

[4] Obstructions can be caused by a variety of conditions, including urinary incontinence, prostate enlargement, or tumors.

The most commonly used method used worldwide involves measuring the distance of the tube from the tip of the nose to the patient’s earlobe to the xiphoid.

[3] Verification of correct placement most commonly involves the use of a chest X-ray, where the end tip of the tube can be seen in the stomach.

CAUTIs occur when bacteria travel up the catheter tubing and spread to the rest of the urinary tract.

Risk factors for developing a CAUTI include prolonged catheter use, improper hand hygiene, and lack of aseptic insertion technique.

[4] Complications resulting from CAUTIs include increased morbidity and mortality, as well as longer hospital stays.

[8] A procedure to create a small opening directly into the trachea, or a tracheostomy, is often performed if prolonged intubation is expected to reduce risk of VAP.