What is Orotracheal Intubation used for?

Orotracheal intubation is a medical procedure that involves inserting a tube through the mouth and into the trachea. This technique is primarily used to secure an airway in patients who may be unable to breathe adequately on their own or require ventilation support. The process typically involves using a laryngoscope to visualize the vocal cords, allowing the clinician to guide the endotracheal tube into the trachea, ensuring that the airway remains open and that oxygen can be delivered directly to the lungs.

This procedure is critical in emergency situations, such as severe trauma, respiratory failure, or during anesthesia in surgical settings, where control over the airway and ventilation is essential. Proper placement of the tube is vital to prevent complications, such as accidental placement in the esophagus or bronchial tubes.

The other choices refer to different medical procedures that do not align with orotracheal intubation. For example, inserting a tube through the nose into the stomach pertains to nasogastric intubation, which is used for feeding or gastric decompression, while inserting a needle into the chest cavity relates to procedures such as needle thoracostomy for pneumothorax. Inserting a medication infusion device typically involves using an intravenous line rather than