Final answer:
ET tubes are not usually left in place for more than 14 days due to the risks of infection, airway obstruction, and tissue damage. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
ET tubes, or endotracheal tubes, are not usually left in place for more than 14 days due to the risk of several complications. The primary reasons for removing the tube include the risk of infection, airway obstruction, and tissue damage.
A) Risk of infection: ET tubes can increase the risk of infection as they provide a passage for bacteria to enter the airway and cause respiratory infections.
B) Risk of airway obstruction: Leaving the tube in place for an extended period can lead to the accumulation of secretions and blockage of the airway, making it difficult for the patient to breathe.
C) Risk of tissue damage: Prolonged intubation can result in tissue damage, including mucosal ulceration, hemorrhage, and scarring.
Therefore, it is standard practice to remove ET tubes after 14 days to minimize these risks and ensure patient safety.
Endotracheal tubes (ET tubes) are not usually left in place for more than 14 days primarily due to the risk of infection and the risk of tissue damage. While ET tubes are critical for maintaining an open airway during and immediately after surgery or in critically ill patients, prolonged intubation can lead to complications.
Infections could develop from bacteria that are introduced into the airway or from those already present in the respiratory tract becoming trapped. The constant presence of a foreign object such as an ET tube can also irritate and damage the delicate tissues of the trachea and larynx, leading to issues such as ulceration, stenosis, or tracheomalacia.