What complication may arise from esophageal intubation?

Esophageal intubation occurs when the endotracheal tube is incorrectly placed in the esophagus instead of the trachea. This misplacement can result in the inability to ventilate the lungs effectively, leading to significant complications. One major risk associated with esophageal intubation is the aspiration of gastric contents. When the tube is in the esophagus, any regurgitated material from the stomach can enter the airway, which can cause aspiration pneumonia, a serious condition that arises when food, liquid, or stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs.

In contrast, other potential complications such as pneumothorax, intubation failure, or altered mental status are not direct consequences of esophageal intubation. Although intubation failure can occur due to improper placement, the specific and immediate complication related to esophageal intubation is the risk of aspiration, making it the most critical issue to address in this context.