What is the initial method to determine adequate ventilation following ET intubation?

The initial method to determine adequate ventilation following endotracheal (ET) intubation is through the observation of chest rise. This visual cue provides immediate information about whether air is entering the lungs effectively. When the ventilatory efforts are successful, the chest will rise symmetrically with each breath, indicating that air is moving into both lungs.

Observing chest rise is crucial because it allows the clinician to quickly assess the effectiveness of the intubation before delving into other assessments. While listening with a stethoscope can confirm the presence of breath sounds, it is more subjective and may not be as immediate or reliable in detecting problems such as improper tube positioning or bilateral ventilation. Checking vital signs is important but may not provide timely information regarding ventilation adequacy right after intubation. Ensuring correct ET tube placement is a separate necessary step that should occur, but evaluating chest rise is the most immediate indicator of successful ventilation.