When placing an endotracheal tube, which of the following should be assessed?

When placing an endotracheal tube, assessing the rise and fall of the chest is crucial because it indicates proper ventilation and effective placement of the tube. Observing this movement helps confirm that air is being delivered correctly to the lungs. If the chest does not rise and fall symmetrically, it may suggest that the tube is incorrectly positioned, possibly in the esophagus or causing an obstruction.

In emergency situations, immediate feedback from chest rise is essential to ensure the airway is secured and that the patient is oxygenating adequately. Other assessments, while important in patient care, do not provide immediate confirmation of successful intubation. For example, monitoring pulse rate and rhythm gives information about cardiovascular status, and skin color changes might indicate peripheral perfusion; however, they do not directly assess the effectiveness of the endotracheal tube placement or ventilation. Patient temperature is relevant for overall clinical management but isn’t directly related to the intubation process. Thus, the rise and fall of the chest serves as a key indicator of proper airway management and successful ventilation.