What device is used to measure cuff pressure in an endotracheal tube?

• A. Sphygmomanometer
• B. Stethoscope
• C. Cuff manometer
• D. Pulse oximeter

Answer: (C)

Maintaining the right cuff pressure is essential to seal the airway without harming the tracheal mucosa. The device used to measure this pressure is a cuff manometer, a small gauge that connects to the endotracheal tube’s pilot balloon. It provides a reading of the cuff pressure in cm H2O, allowing you to adjust to the recommended range so the cuff is firm enough to prevent leakage but not so tight that it compromises blood flow to the tracheal wall. The other tools have different roles: a sphygmomanometer measures systemic blood pressure, a stethoscope is for listening to sounds (such as heart or breath sounds) but not for measuring cuff pressure, and a pulse oximeter monitors oxygen saturation rather than airway cuff pressure.