HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam Related

Review HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam related questions and content

A healthcare professional is reading the chest x-ray report of a client who has just been intubated. The report states that the tip of the endotracheal tube lies 1 cm above the carina. The healthcare professional interprets that the tube is positioned above:

  • A. The first tracheal cartilaginous ring
  • B. The point where the larynx connects to the trachea
  • C. The bifurcation of the right and left main stem bronchi
  • D. The area connecting the oropharynx to the laryngopharynx
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The carina is a cartilaginous ridge that separates the openings of the two main stem (right and left) bronchi. If an endotracheal tube is inserted past the carina, the tube will enter the right main stem bronchus due to the natural curvature of the airway. This positioning is dangerous as only the right lung will be ventilated. It can be identified as only the right lung will have breath sounds and rise and fall with ventilation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not relate to the specific anatomical landmark mentioned in the scenario.