Which technique is often used to confirm the correct placement of an endotracheal tube?

The technique of auscultation to listen for breath sounds in the lungs is a widely accepted method for confirming the correct placement of an endotracheal tube. When the tube is correctly positioned in the trachea, breath sounds should be audible over both lungs, indicating that air is entering and exiting the respiratory system properly.

In contrast, if the tube is placed in the esophagus, breath sounds may be diminished or absent in the lungs, and instead, gurgling or bowel sounds may be heard in the stomach area. This underscores the importance of verifying tube placement through lung auscultation, as it provides immediate feedback regarding the efficacy of ventilation.

Other methods, such as observing capillary refill time or monitoring the patient's temperature, do not provide direct information regarding the placement of the endotracheal tube and therefore are not relevant in confirming its correct position. Listening for breath sounds in the stomach would signify improper placement, further highlighting the importance of lung auscultation in this critical assessment.