What term describes the act of inserting a tube into a patient's body?

The act of inserting a tube into a patient's body is referred to as "intubate." This term is most commonly used in medical contexts, particularly in situations involving airway management, where a tube is placed into the patient's trachea to secure an airway for ventilation or to administer anesthetics. Intubation is a critical procedure performed in emergencies or surgeries to ensure that the patient can breathe adequately.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately describe the insertion of a tube. "Infiltrate" often refers to the diffusion of substances into tissue or the entry of fluid into a wound area. "Inject" typically means to introduce a substance, such as a medication or vaccine, into the body using a syringe, but does not imply the use of a tube. "Infuse" involves delivering a fluid, like medication or nutrients, generally via an intravenous line, but again, this does not exclusively indicate the insertion of a tube itself.