Final answer:
Correct placement of an endotracheal tube can be confirmed by observing the exhaled air, which indicates the tube is properly ventilating the lungs, and by checking for proper blood oxygenation, which implies effective lung function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two things that indicate that an endotracheal tube is placed correctly are exhaled air and the blood traveling from the heart. Consistent and adequate exhaled air ensures that the tube is allowing for proper ventilation through the trachea. Confirming the presence of exhaled carbon dioxide using a capnograph or a similar device can also indicate correct placement of the endotracheal tube. Furthermore, the presence of oxygenated blood traveling from the heart, verified through techniques such as pulse oximetry, can suggest that the lungs are properly receiving and oxygenating the blood, thus supporting the correct placement of the tube.
Endotracheal intubation is a critical procedure in which proper placement of the tube is essential for maintaining an open airway, particularly under general anesthesia when the muscles necessary for breathing and preventing the tongue from blocking the airway are not operational. The tube is placed into the trachea to ensure that the airway remains open to the lungs and is sealed off from the oropharynx. After the completion of the surgery and as the patient begins to regain control of their respiratory muscles, the tube is then carefully removed. A sore or scratchy throat post-surgery is a common minor complication of this procedure.