Question

To verify the correct placement of an oral endotracheal tube (ET) after insertion, the best initial action by the nurse is to

a. obtain a portable chest x-ray.
b. use an end-tidal CO2 monitor.
c. auscultate for bilateral breath sounds.
d. observe for symmetrical chest movement.

Answer 1

The best initial action to verify the correct placement of an oral endotracheal tube is to auscultate for bilateral breath sounds, providing immediate assessment of proper air delivery to both lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

To verify the correct placement of an oral endotracheal tube (ET) after insertion, the best initial action by the nurse is to auscultate for bilateral breath sounds. This method allows the healthcare provider to immediately assess whether the tube is allowing air to flow into both lungs and is not misplaced in the esophagus or in only one bronchus. End-tidal CO₂ monitoring and observing symmetrical chest movement are also used to verify proper ET tube placement, but auscultation gives a quick and immediate indication of correct placement before applying further confirmatory tests such as portable chest x-ray which is used to confirm the position of the ET tube after initial assessments suggest correct placement.