Post-Airway

Step 4

Confirm the tube, secure it, set the ventilator, start analgesia/sedation, and complete follow-up.

This static page is designed for simulation, prebriefing, and source review. It does not save encounter state, analyze a patient, or generate a treatment directive. Verify current local protocols and the clinical context.

Learning objectives

Confirm ETT with waveform capnography
Secure the tube and place gastric decompression when appropriate
Verbalize and confirm ventilator settings
Start analgesia and sedation
Reassess hemodynamics/oxygenation and complete follow-up

Simulation discussion prompt

The ETT is confirmed with continuous waveform capnography and secured. OG/NG placement is addressed. Vent settings are verbalized and confirmed. Analgesia and sedation are active. Hemodynamics and oxygenation are reassessed. Blood gas and chest imaging will be obtained when indicated.

Discussion points

Tube confirmation

Confirm ETT with continuous waveform capnography

Secure

Secure ETT

OG/NG placement when clinically appropriate

Ventilation

Vent settings verbalized and confirmed

Sedation / analgesia

Analgesia initiated

Sedation initiated

Reassess hemodynamics and oxygenation

Follow-up

Obtain and review blood gas when indicated

Chest X-ray when indicated

Teaching pearl

The airway is not complete at tube passage. Immediate confirmation, analgesia/sedation, ventilator setup, hemodynamic reassessment, and follow-up prevent avoidable post-intubation harm.

Common pitfalls

Relying on auscultation without waveform capnography
Leaving a paralyzed patient without analgesia and sedation
Vent settings not verbalized or reassessed
Post-intubation hypotension or hypoxia ignored
Treating blood gas or chest X-ray as automatic rather than indication- and context-dependent follow-up

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