Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

What should you do if the pilot line air injection fails to inflate the cuff prior to intubation?

1. Attempt to inflate the cuff manually

2. Reset the pilot line using suction

3. Replace the endotracheal tube

4. Check for kinks in the tubing

The correct answer is: Replace the endotracheal tube

The situation described relates to the functionality of the cuff on an endotracheal tube, which is crucial for maintaining proper ventilation and preventing aspiration during intubation. When the pilot line air injection fails, it indicates a problem with either the inflation mechanism or the tube itself. Choosing to replace the endotracheal tube is the appropriate action because it ensures that the patient will have a reliable and functional airway. The cuff needs to be properly inflated to secure the airway and allow for controlled ventilation. If the pilot line is not functioning, attempting to inflate the cuff manually could lead to potential complications such as damaging the cuff or creating an inadequate seal, affecting the ventilation. Resetting the pilot line using suction might not address the root cause of the failure, and checking for kinks in the tubing may not significantly improve the situation if the tube itself is compromised. Therefore, replacing the endotracheal tube guarantees that you are using a device that is designed to function correctly and safely for the patient's needs.