Final answer:
If breath sounds are only heard on the right side after endotracheal intubation, it suggests the tube may be too far in the right mainstem bronchus. Immediate notification and preparation to reposition the endotracheal tube are required, followed by reassessment through auscultation and observation for equal chest rise to ensure both lungs are properly ventilated.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you only hear breath sounds on one side of the chest, specifically the right side and not the left, after endotracheal intubation, this could indicate that the endotracheal tube may have been inserted too far and is likely in the right mainstem bronchus rather than the trachea. This is a critical situation because the left lung would not be ventilated, which can lead to hypoxemia and collapse of the lung (atelectasis).
The appropriate action is to immediately notify the medical team and prepare for repositioning of the endotracheal tube. The tube might need to be withdrawn slightly to ensure it is positioned correctly in the trachea so that both lungs can be ventilated evenly.
It's vital to reassess the patient's lung sounds by auscultation, checking for bilateral breath sounds, and to observe for equal chest rise. Should complications arise, the medical team must be prepared to take prompt action to stabilize the patient.