What is the purpose of the pilot balloon on an endotracheal or a ...

[Evvie72]

What is the purpose of the pilot balloon on an endotracheal or a tracheostomy tube?
 
  a. To help ascertain proper tube position
  b. To minimize mucosal trauma during inser-tion
  c. To monitor cuff status and pressure
  d. To protect the airway against aspiration

Question 2

Which of the following features incorporated into most modern endotracheal tubes assist in veri-fying proper tube placement?
 
  1. Length markings on the curved body of the tube
  2. Imbedded radiopaque indicator near the tube tip
  3. Additional side port (Murphy eye) near the tube tip
  a. 1 and 2 only
  b. 1 and 3 only
  c. 2 and 3 only
  d. 1, 2, and 3

[Jody Vaughn]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A small filling tube leads from the cuff to a pilot balloon, used to monitor cuff status and pres-sure once the tube is in place.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Not shown, but included with most modern endotracheal tubes, is a radiopaque indicator that is embedded in the distal end of the tube body. This indicator allows for easy identification of tube position on radiograph.