A patient in severe pulmonary edema is being intubated by the respiratory therapist. What priority action by the nurse will assist in the confirmation of tube placement in the proper position in the trachea?

A patient in severe pulmonary edema is being intubated by the respiratory therapist. What priority action by the nurse will assist in the confirmation of tube placement in the proper position in the trachea?

A patient in severe pulmonary edema is being intubated by the respiratory therapist. What priority action by the nurse will assist in the confirmation of tube placement in the proper position in the trachea?


a) Attach a pulse oximeter probe and obtain values.

b) Observe for mist in the endotracheal tube.

c) Call for a chest x-ray.

d) Listen for breath sounds over the epigastrium.



Answer: Call for a chest x-ray.