Final answer:
In emergency situations where IV access is not possible, certain drugs can be administered through an endotracheal tube (ETT) using the mnemonic "NAVEL" which stands for Naloxone, Atropine, Vasopressin, Epinephrine, and Lidocaine.
Step-by-step explanation:
If drugs need to be administered to a patient who is unable to take medications orally due to illness (e.g., vomiting, intubation for a ventilator), the parenteral route is often used. This includes intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) administration. In emergency situations when intravenous access cannot be established, certain drugs can be given via the endotracheal tube (ETT). The mnemonic "NAVEL" helps to remember these drugs:
- Naloxone
- Atropine
- Vasopressin
- Epinephrine
- Lidocaine
These drugs are chosen for their ability to absorb across the pulmonary epithelium and into the bloodstream. While this route is less ideal than IV administration because dosing can be unpredictable, it provides a rapid means of delivering life-saving medication when other routes are not possible.