Final answer:
The most reliable methods for verifying endotracheal tube placement are direct visualization using a laryngoscope, auscultation for bilateral breath sounds, and capnography to measure end-tidal CO2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most reliable method for verifying endotracheal tube placement is through direct visualization using a laryngoscope. This involves inserting a laryngoscope into the patient's mouth to lift the tongue and epiglottis, allowing the healthcare provider to directly visualize the trachea and confirm the placement of the tube.
Another method is auscultation, which involves listening for bilateral breath sounds over the lung fields using a stethoscope. If the tube is correctly placed in the trachea, breath sounds should be heard equally on both sides.
A confirmatory technique is capnography, which measures the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled breath. CO2 is only present in exhaled air from the lungs, so if the tube is correctly placed in the trachea, it will provide an accurate measurement of end-tidal CO2.