A 30-Year-old male patient was intubated for surgery by the final-year resident. Which of the following is the best method to confirm the position of the endotracheal tube?

Options

1. X-ray chest
2. Auscultation
3. End-tidal CO2 concentration
4. Chest rise

Correct Answer

End-tidal CO2 concentration

Explanation

Capnography (measurement of end-tidal CO2) is the gold standard for confirming correct endotracheal tube placement. Detection of CO2 in exhaled gas confirms tracheal intubation. It is more reliable than auscultation or observation of chest rise, and faster than chest X-ray. Absence of CO2 suggests esophageal intubation.

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