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How do we monitor ET tube placement?

User Shyim
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Final answer:

To monitor ET tube placement, healthcare workers can use direct observation, capnography, and chest auscultation. These techniques help ensure proper airway management and delivery of oxygen to the patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

Monitoring ET (endotracheal) tube placement is crucial to ensure proper airway management and delivery of oxygen to the patient. There are several techniques used to monitor ET tube placement:

Direct observation: This involves physically looking at the tube and checking if it is in the correct position. Healthcare workers can assess tube placement by observing the position of the tube in relation to anatomical landmarks, such as the vocal cords, or by using imaging techniques like X-rays or endoscopy.

Capnography: This method measures the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled breath. When the ET tube is correctly placed in the trachea, the exhaled CO2 levels will be higher, indicating proper placement.

Chest auscultation: Healthcare professionals listen for breath sounds in the chest to ensure proper lung ventilation. If breath sounds are absent or only heard on one side of the chest, it may indicate improper ET tube placement.

User Liron Harel
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