After an emergency intubation,the respiratory care practitioner auscultates the chest and the abdomen.Breath sounds are absent over the chest but heard over the abdomen.What is the cause?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One of the most common early complications is esophageal intubation.This may be assessed by auscultating the chest and by a chest radiograph.On auscultation,breath sounds will be diminished or absent.End-tidal CO₂ may also be used to confirm esophageal intubation.If the esophagus is intubated,the exhaled CO₂ will quickly fall to zero.Observe the abdomen while ventilating the patient.If the esophagus is intubated,the abdomen will rise and fall.Auscultate the abdomen: if sounds are present on inspiration,esophageal intubation is likely.

After an Emergency Intubation,the Respiratory Care Practitioner Auscultates the Chest