The perioperative tech assists with an emergency intubation of a patient who has developed respiratory distress. The patient's oxygen saturation levels are increasing and there is symmetrical chest expansion. What is the tech's next action?
A)Suction the endotracheal tube to clear secretions.
B)Obtain a chest x-ray to verify correct placement of the tube.
C)Secure the tube to the patient's face to prevent accidental extubation.
D)Trim down any excess length of the tube to prevent kinking.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After the tube has been inserted in an emergency intubation, the tech should obtain a chest x-ray to verify correct tube placement. Although the patient's oxygen status is improving, the tube could still be placed too deep into the patient's lungs. Securing or cutting the tube should not be done until confirmation that the tube is correctly in place, in case the tube needs to be repositioned.

The Perioperative Tech Assists with an Emergency Intubation of a Patient