Question

What does the absence of bilaterally equal breath sounds in an intubated patient in cardiac arrest mean?

Accepted Answer

The absence of this in an intubated patient in cardiac arrest indicates that you inadvertently intubated the esophagus. You must immediately remove the tube, and then hyperventilate the patient for at least 2 -3 minutes prior to another attempt.

Front	What does the absence of bilaterally equal breath sounds in an intubated patient in cardiac arrest mean?
Back	The absence of this in an intubated patient in cardiac arrest indicates that you inadvertently intubated the esophagus. You must immediately remove the tube, and then hyperventilate the patient for at least 2 -3 minutes prior to another attempt.

Intubated Patient Absence Cardiac Arrest Bilaterally Equal Breath