Final answer:
The primary methods for confirming endotracheal tube placement when ventilating a newborn are auscultation and capnography, techniques used for immediate feedback on tube placement and lung function.
Step-by-step explanation:
When intubating to ventilate the newborn, auscultation and capnography are the primary methods for confirming endotracheal tube placement. Auscultation involves listening to the lungs with a stethoscope for breath sounds, which can help determine if the tube is properly placed in the trachea and if air is entering the lungs evenly on both sides. Capnography measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, and its presence indicates that the tube is indeed in the trachea and that there is gas exchange happening in the lungs. Other methods such as chest X-ray and blood gas analysis might be used to further confirm placement and to assess overall lung function, but auscultation and capnography provide immediate feedback for healthcare providers. It is critical that proper placement is confirmed to prevent complications and ensure effective ventilation of the newborn.