Which method is commonly used to confirm endotracheal tube placement?

The method commonly used to confirm endotracheal tube placement involves the detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the exhaled air. When the endotracheal tube is correctly placed in the trachea, it allows for the direct delivery of air to the lungs, where gas exchange occurs. This process produces carbon dioxide as a waste product, which is then expelled during expiration.

The presence of CO2 can be measured using a capnometer or capnography, which provides a visual representation of CO2 levels. A rapid heart rate increase may occur in response to the successful placement of the tube due to improved oxygenation and ventilation, but the primary and definitive confirmation comes from the presence of CO2 in the exhaled breath. This method is favored over others because it is direct evidence of proper tube placement in the trachea and indicates that the lungs are being ventilated appropriately.

Visual inspection of tube placement, palpation of the trachea, and audio detection of breathing sounds can provide some information, but they do not offer the definitive confirmation that capnography does, making CO2 detection the gold standard in clinical practice.