Final answer:
Intubation is a procedure performed to maintain an open airway in patients whose breathing is compromised, typically by inserting a tube into the trachea during medical emergencies or surgeries. It is critical for ensuring that the patient receives adequate oxygen and for protecting the airway.
Step-by-step explanation:
Intubation is a critical medical procedure that involves inserting a tube through the patient's mouth or nose into the airway. This is often essential when the patient's respiratory system is compromised. The procedure ensures that the patient can breathe by bypassing an obstruction or injury within the respiratory tract.
During endotracheal intubation, a tube is placed into the trachea to maintain an open airway to the lungs and protect it from the oropharynx. General anesthesia can cause relaxation of the muscles necessary for breathing and moving the tongue, which may block the airway. Intubation ensures that the air continues to flow to the lungs during an operation. After surgery, the anesthesiologist will remove the tube when the patient's respiratory muscles begin to function again, though the patient may still experience a sore throat.
Using a checklist, similar to that of airplane pilots, can significantly reduce errors in critical procedures like central intravenous line insertion. This practice illustrates the importance of following protocols to ensure patient safety during procedures involving intubation, an NG tube, IVs, a chest X-ray (CXR), or surgery.