The nurse is assessing a patient with an endotracheal tube and notes an audible air leak when standing by the patient.Which intervention should the nurse perform first to address this problem?
A)Deflating the cuff of the endotracheal tube
B)Repositioning the patient or tube
C)Inserting a new endotracheal tube
D)Notifying the health care provider

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If an air leak is audible with the ear,it is too large.Repositioning the patient or the tube may correct the problem.Reinflation of the cuff may be necessary.Prepare for insertion of a new tube by the health care provider or trained personnel if the cuff ruptures.Repositioning and reinflating the cuff are performed before the health care provider is notified.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Patient with an Endotracheal Tube