Endotracheal tube (ETT) is used to:

• A. Provide a hollow tube inserted in the trachea so the patient can breathe through the tube
• B. Deliver IV fluids directly into the trachea
• C. Measure intra-thoracic pressure via a chest tube
• D. Assist gastric drainage through a nasogastric route

Answer: (A)

An endotracheal tube provides a hollow airway through the mouth or nose into the trachea, securing an open route for air to reach the lungs and allowing ventilation and oxygenation. It bypasses blockages in the upper airway and enables suctioning of secretions and controlled breathing when a patient can’t breathe adequately on their own. It is not used to deliver IV fluids, measure intrathoracic pressure, or drain the stomach; those functions rely on intravenous lines, chest tubes with pressure measurement, or a nasogastric tube, respectively.