Question

You have successfully intubated a newborn with an estimated 35-week gestational age newborn and an estimated birth weight of 2 kg.

What is the correct tip-to-lip depth of tube insertion for correct placement in the mid-trachea?

Answer 1

For a newborn with an estimated 35-week gestational age and a weight of 2 kg, the correct tip-to-lip depth of tube insertion for correct mid-trachea placement is approximately 8 cm, according to the '7-8-9 rule'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct tip-to-lip depth of tube insertion for a newborn estimated to be a 35-week gestational age and with an estimated birth weight of 2 kg is calculated based on a standardized formula. In practice, a commonly used method is the '7-8-9 rule' where the endotracheal tube (ETT) depth in centimeters is estimated by the weight of the baby. For a baby weighing less than 1 kg, the ETT depth should be 7 cm; for a baby weighing 1-2 kg, the depth should be 8 cm; and for a baby weighing 2-3 kg, the depth should be 9 cm. Thus, for a newborn weighing approximately 2 kg, the initial depth of insertion should be around 8 cm to ensure proper placement in the mid-trachea.