A client with respiratory failure was intubated with an oral endotracheal (ET) tube 2 hours ago. Suspecting that the tube has changed position slightly since insertion, the nurse would assess the
A) results of the chest x-ray film taken 2 hours earlier.
B) current oxygen saturation readings.
C) status of the client's breath sounds.
D) position of the numbers on the ET tube at the lip line.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse records in the nursing notes and on the respiratory flow sheet the point at which the ET tube meets the lips or nostrils by using the numbers listed on the tube's side. If the tube slips, its correct position can be quickly established. Then the nurse should listen to lung sounds.

A Client with Respiratory Failure Was Intubated with an Oral