How is placement of an endotracheal tube confirmed prior to a chest X-ray?
I. end-tidal CO₂ monitoring
II. auscultation
III. chest wall expansion
IV. endotracheal tube markings at the teeth

Question

How is placement of an endotracheal tube confirmed prior to a chest X-ray? I. end-tidal CO₂ monitoring II. auscultation III. chest wall expansion IV. endotracheal tube markings at the teeth

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

End-tidal CO2 monitoring is the most reliable method for confirming endotracheal tube placement, but it requires specialized equipment. Auscultation, listening for breath sounds in the lungs, is also commonly used to confirm placement. Chest wall expansion, watching for chest rise and fall with ventilation, is another indicator of proper placement. Endotracheal tube markings at the teeth can be helpful but are less reliable than the other methods. Therefore, options I and II are the best choice for confirming endotracheal tube placement prior to a chest X-ray.

How Is Placement of an Endotracheal Tube Confirmed Prior to a Chest