Question

Which of the following would indicate that the endotracheal tube is NOT in the trachea?

1) Absence of sounds over the epigastrium
2) Decreased resistance when ventilating
3) Steady increase in the oxygen saturation
4) Absence of an end-tidal CO₂ waveform

Answer 1

The absence of an end-tidal CO2 waveform would indicate that the endotracheal tube is not in the trachea.

Step-by-step explanation:

The absence of an end-tidal CO₂ waveform would indicate that the endotracheal tube is NOT in the trachea.

End-tidal CO₂ waveform is a graphical representation of carbon dioxide levels during exhalation. In a normal scenario, the waveform appears as a sharp peak followed by a decline. However, if the tube is not correctly placed in the trachea, there will be an absence of this waveform.