The perioperative nurse 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 nurse's next action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After the tube has been inserted in an emergency intubation, the nurse 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 Nurse Assists with an Emergency Intubation of a Patient