A newly intubated patient is assessed with a color-changing CO2 detection device. The presence of CO2 is confirmed, as is moisture on exhalation. However, auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds on the right side

This problem can be corrected by doing which of the following?
a. Extubate and use a laryngeal mask airway.
b. Order a chest radiograph to determine what is happening.
c. Reposition the endotracheal tube, and auscultate again.
d. Push the tube in farther, and listen for bi-lateral breath sounds.

ANS: C
This problem is caused by intubation of the right mainstem airway. The patient's endotracheal tube must be repositioned by suctioning the pharynx, deflating the cuff, pulling the endotracheal tube back slightly, reinflating the cuff, then auscultating for bilateral breath sounds.