Healthcare providers need to check the placement of an advanced airway immediately after insertion and regularly to ensure effective ventilation and patient safety. Proper verification includes visualizing chest rise and using capnography. A strict adherence to protocols like checklists during such procedures is crucial.
Healthcare providers (HCPs) must check the placement of an advanced airway immediately after insertion and regularly thereafter. This is critical to ensure proper ventilation and oxygenation of the patient.
Verification can be done by visualizing chest rise, auscultating breath sounds bilaterally, checking for absent sounds in the stomach, and by confirming the exhaled CO2 with the help of capnography or a colorimetric device. In a surgical setting, as outlined by a surgical safety checklist, it is imperative that the patient’s airway and the risk of aspiration have been evaluated and the necessary equipment for airway management is available.
Moreover, in line with Dr. Pronovost's ICU checklist initiative, adherence to protocol during airway management is emphasized. The HCP should ensure that all steps, including placement checks, are meticulously followed each time the airway management is done or adjusted throughout patient care.