What is a common method to verify correct endotracheal tube placement?

Auscultation of breath sounds bilaterally and observing for chest rise is a common and effective method for verifying correct endotracheal tube placement. This approach relies on two critical indicators: the presence of breath sounds and the movement of the chest.

When the endotracheal tube is correctly positioned within the trachea, auscultation will reveal equal breath sounds on both the left and right sides of the chest, indicating that air is reaching both lungs. Additionally, observing for symmetrical chest rise during ventilation helps confirm that the tube is not misplaced into the esophagus, which would result in inadequate ventilation of the lungs and potentially lead to significant complications.

This method is part of a systematic assessment and is typically performed alongside other verification techniques for greater accuracy. While using a pulse oximeter can provide valuable information about blood oxygen levels and checking for carbon dioxide presence offers physiological confirmation, they are not as immediate and direct in confirming proper tube placement as auscultation and visual observation of chest movements. Visual confirmation of tube insertion can help establish the procedure but does not independently confirm that the tube is in the correct anatomical position. Thus, the combination of breath sounds and chest rise is a widely accepted practice for ensuring safe and effective airway management in emergency settings