Final answer:
The statement patients use the gum elastic bougie when vocal cords cannot be visualized on direct laryngoscopy is True. It is a device used for intubation in cases where direct visualization of the vocal cords is challenging.
So, the correct answer is A.True.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gum elastic bougie is a device used during intubation when the vocal cords are difficult to see. This situation could occur during direct laryngoscopy, a medical procedure that typically involves the visualization of the vocal cords to properly place an endotracheal tube for airway management.
The description of vocal cords is anatomically separate from the actual use of a bougie during intubation. If the cords cannot be seen clearly, the bougie acts as a guide over which the endotracheal tube can be slid into place. The bougie is designed to be flexible enough to bypass obstructions and rigid enough to guide the tube, thus proving useful when the laryngeal view is compromised.
So, the correct answer is A.True.