What are the signs of successful intubation?

Successful intubation is critical in emergency and critical care settings, and there are specific signs to look for to confirm that the procedure has been performed correctly. Observing chest rise indicates that the endotracheal tube is correctly placed in the trachea and not in the esophagus, allowing air to enter the lungs effectively. Proper placement of the endotracheal tube involves ensuring that it is positioned in the trachea, which can be assessed visually or through palpation.

Furthermore, confirmation by capnography is a key step in verifying that the tube is correctly placed. Capnography measures the levels of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, and the presence of CO2 indicates that ventilation is occurring and that the airway is open. This combination of signs—visible chest rise, appropriate tube positioning, and positive capnography reading—provides strong confirmation of successful intubation.

In contrast, other options do not indicate successful intubation: bradycardia and cyanosis can represent a lack of oxygen and potential complications rather than successful tube placement; high blood pressure and increased heart rate might occur due to stress or pain but do not specifically confirm the effectiveness of intubation; while decreased breath sounds and diminished respiratory effort suggest